Just arrived back home from Bowie Maryland on Business. I need to point out I am not registered nor can I retrieve my password from Rivals which is the reason I answer some questions and comments on my blog. Pleased to see so many comments.
To the person who said I felt Sofman was "Too White" I say that's a lie. I said and meant he might be too suburban since he was known as ONLY A SHOOTER. Coming from West Milford does not mean he faced Jersey City, Newark, or NYC competition. I questioned his toughness just as I would Sylvan Landburg from Holy Cross HS in NYC who is Black. You want to make me take the gloves off? I still have not said he is tough. He has yet to prove he is even a Big East Role Player. Many people still do not understand that signing! I was giving him the benefit of the doubt based on him not getting many minutes. But too say I said he was too White? Its the kind of statement that made me stop posting. And why was my post so goofy? I wanted to keep it a bit light but goofy? Call my posts names all you want but remember you DO NOT HAVE TO READ IT!!! Its MY Blog!!
To my man Harlem. You know me and you know I never meant ALL MIDDLE CLASS kids were not tough. You gave a few names but most of the names you mentioned were definitely not suburban middle class kids. But there are many Middle Class and even some Wealthy Kids who can play their butts off. Let me give you a black one. Butch Graves was from Scarsdale NY, an affluent community. Yet he was tough as heck at Yale! Craig Carter is a middle Class kid. Do not allow him to fool you lol. He is tough! Tyler H from North Carolina is as tough as they come. Dad is a Surgeon. Rob Hodgeson was tough. So please do not confuse my words. And if it seems I was saying that, I apologise. So I stand by what I said.
Seton Hall
What can I say. They do have some tough kids on board in addition to some talented players. They beat a South Florida team who really seems improved. They have a few options which makes SHU a tough out.
But whats the deal with the 4000 plus in attendance? 4000 plus? That's horrible for a BE league game. They really need to work on the marketing and advertising as well as ticket give-aways.
Much more coming over the weekend.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
They Should be Ashamed!!!
If I was a NJ Tax payer I would request a rebate based on the performance given by Rutgers against Syracuse University.. NO EXCUSES!!!!! That goes for everyone.
It is crazy how no one including myself has wanted to knock FHJ. I really like him but the bottom line is it looks like Rutgers is no where close to becoming competitive. They would need young Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird to win this season. And honestly, despite what some have said about the current RU players, they do have talent.
So whats the problem? The problem is they are too damn nice! They are the young men you want to come and see your Daughter. Honestly Rutgers does not need those type of kids. Nice middle class kids rarely win games. I always said if I coached at a Junior College I would have at least two kids a year from Rahway Jail on my team. Toughness is often more important than skills with big guys. In other words the RU Team has some real soft kids who really do not get after it. We can blame FHJ all we want. But the kids are a serious problem!! Not based on talent and ability. Based on toughness and heart.
JR Inman, my guy and my friend, should be embarrassed!!! NO EXCUSES!!! To play 28 minutes and have 2 rebounds shows a lack of heart? I can deal with off shooting days. But when you are needed to score and you take only 8 shots and hit 2 to go along with 2 rebounds it shows you have not accepted your role on the RU team. But again the scoring can come and go. I have always told kids that they could have a bad game shooting wise. But rebounding and defense is more desire than anything else. JR really needs to get his act together or FHJ needs to get a tough JC kid who might not be as skilled to COME AND THUG JRs spot from him.
Byron? Finish it out big fella but you too are lazy and not hungry enough to make a difference. The reason QD was so good was not because he could shoot. he was good because he wanted to be good and he wanted to eat better one day and help his folks. Most of the kids on RU act as if they are playing Prep School ball before attending Yale as reg students.
Farmer is somewhat tough but needs to lead!! Coburn is Coburn. A career role player skill wise but at least he fakes toughness. Griffin? Aggressive shooter who got away with stuff in HS that will not work in College. Nelson? Allowed freshmen to THUG HIS MINUTES from him. Farmer did not allow this but Nelson did. Sofman probably is tougher than most of the kids mentioned. He at least deserves a chance. The big fella? HE HAS HEART and DESIRE and might just be an NBA Player in the future. He plays hard. Growing up in Newark has allowed Chandler to be tough. He will do well even on off nights because he wants and needs it.
The Coach
Fred Hill is not the entire problem here. But he has to do a better job preparing his soft kids for battle. You play with what you have and adjust. It is about winning. We know he will not be going anywhere after this season even though he might be forced to make staff changes. We also know he cannot play on the court for the kids he has. Trust me RU would better with FHJ, Darren Savino, and Craig Carter on the team to go along with Chandler. As a player FHJ would have slapped the piss out of JR Inman by now for playing so damn soft. He would have also been yelling and leading them to a better record. In the same vain he needs to step his game up by getting into the faces of his really soft troops. he needs to become General Patton on them. Because not to show any improvement is a sign of failure.
Next season will be the same without an attitude adjustment. Christian Morris is decent. But he is way tougher than what you have. But he is not a program changer. Rosario could be a McDonald's All American so he will bring backcourt relief. But who sits? If he plays with Chandler who will be the PG? Will it be a 3 guard line-up? Who will start at the big positions? Big fella and JR? Does that line up scare anyone? Farmer, Chandler, Rosario, Inman, and Big fella? The rest of the BE is shaking in their sneakers I am sure. But if they play HARD and Together it would look like a different team.
What's more important is an attitude transformation. Drop the BS barn league and allow those kids to play in Newark, East Orange, and Harlem! Make RU understand Defense and rebounding are crucial. Score off the D. But more important FHJ needs to take the gloves off with his kids. Even during games! They would lock me up if I was the RU Coach during the Syracuse game. I would have been slamming kids in the locker room and nose to nose challenging them.
Lastly. Many people like FHJ so much they give him passes others would not receive. He is the favorite son. But the favorite son needs to show some serious improvement THIS SEASON, even if it does not transform into wins. When a game is over every kid and coach should have left it all on the court!! Start the transformation right now. New practice and new attitude. Best 5 guys start the next game based on EFFORT, Defense, and more EFFORT.
It is crazy how no one including myself has wanted to knock FHJ. I really like him but the bottom line is it looks like Rutgers is no where close to becoming competitive. They would need young Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird to win this season. And honestly, despite what some have said about the current RU players, they do have talent.
So whats the problem? The problem is they are too damn nice! They are the young men you want to come and see your Daughter. Honestly Rutgers does not need those type of kids. Nice middle class kids rarely win games. I always said if I coached at a Junior College I would have at least two kids a year from Rahway Jail on my team. Toughness is often more important than skills with big guys. In other words the RU Team has some real soft kids who really do not get after it. We can blame FHJ all we want. But the kids are a serious problem!! Not based on talent and ability. Based on toughness and heart.
JR Inman, my guy and my friend, should be embarrassed!!! NO EXCUSES!!! To play 28 minutes and have 2 rebounds shows a lack of heart? I can deal with off shooting days. But when you are needed to score and you take only 8 shots and hit 2 to go along with 2 rebounds it shows you have not accepted your role on the RU team. But again the scoring can come and go. I have always told kids that they could have a bad game shooting wise. But rebounding and defense is more desire than anything else. JR really needs to get his act together or FHJ needs to get a tough JC kid who might not be as skilled to COME AND THUG JRs spot from him.
Byron? Finish it out big fella but you too are lazy and not hungry enough to make a difference. The reason QD was so good was not because he could shoot. he was good because he wanted to be good and he wanted to eat better one day and help his folks. Most of the kids on RU act as if they are playing Prep School ball before attending Yale as reg students.
Farmer is somewhat tough but needs to lead!! Coburn is Coburn. A career role player skill wise but at least he fakes toughness. Griffin? Aggressive shooter who got away with stuff in HS that will not work in College. Nelson? Allowed freshmen to THUG HIS MINUTES from him. Farmer did not allow this but Nelson did. Sofman probably is tougher than most of the kids mentioned. He at least deserves a chance. The big fella? HE HAS HEART and DESIRE and might just be an NBA Player in the future. He plays hard. Growing up in Newark has allowed Chandler to be tough. He will do well even on off nights because he wants and needs it.
The Coach
Fred Hill is not the entire problem here. But he has to do a better job preparing his soft kids for battle. You play with what you have and adjust. It is about winning. We know he will not be going anywhere after this season even though he might be forced to make staff changes. We also know he cannot play on the court for the kids he has. Trust me RU would better with FHJ, Darren Savino, and Craig Carter on the team to go along with Chandler. As a player FHJ would have slapped the piss out of JR Inman by now for playing so damn soft. He would have also been yelling and leading them to a better record. In the same vain he needs to step his game up by getting into the faces of his really soft troops. he needs to become General Patton on them. Because not to show any improvement is a sign of failure.
Next season will be the same without an attitude adjustment. Christian Morris is decent. But he is way tougher than what you have. But he is not a program changer. Rosario could be a McDonald's All American so he will bring backcourt relief. But who sits? If he plays with Chandler who will be the PG? Will it be a 3 guard line-up? Who will start at the big positions? Big fella and JR? Does that line up scare anyone? Farmer, Chandler, Rosario, Inman, and Big fella? The rest of the BE is shaking in their sneakers I am sure. But if they play HARD and Together it would look like a different team.
What's more important is an attitude transformation. Drop the BS barn league and allow those kids to play in Newark, East Orange, and Harlem! Make RU understand Defense and rebounding are crucial. Score off the D. But more important FHJ needs to take the gloves off with his kids. Even during games! They would lock me up if I was the RU Coach during the Syracuse game. I would have been slamming kids in the locker room and nose to nose challenging them.
Lastly. Many people like FHJ so much they give him passes others would not receive. He is the favorite son. But the favorite son needs to show some serious improvement THIS SEASON, even if it does not transform into wins. When a game is over every kid and coach should have left it all on the court!! Start the transformation right now. New practice and new attitude. Best 5 guys start the next game based on EFFORT, Defense, and more EFFORT.
Wednesday January 16th, 2008
Just a few Tidbits
North Carolina State Loses
North Carolina State lost to Clemson last night and it was not a pretty sight. What makes the loss more alarming is the fighting going on with the NC State Team. I was also interested to find out why Brandon Costner's stats are down from a year ago.
Spoke to a few people I know in North Carolina including one super NC State fan. It was the same story from each person. The old guys on the team have not accepted new roles with the new players having a larger role on the team than expected. NC State has very good talent!! They just are not playing well together.
Brandon Costner was considered the 2nd best COLLEGE small forward in the entire USA this season according to a few college publications. He was expected to be a contender for ACC Player of the Year. What happened? can he play? Is he injured? Against Clemson he scored 0 points on 0 for 6 shooting in 20 plus minutes.
I honestly feel he is the same player he was last season but is not being coached the same way this year, nor is the NC State Coaches doing all they can to get him involved in the offense. Add his laid back demeanor to the equation and you have a a formula for under achievement. Coaching college basketball at the highest level is difficult to say the least. It's not just about X and Os. It's about team management, motivation, putting kids in position to succeed as opposed to failing, encouraging, and blending all the talent to make a group of gifted players a TEAM. Not sure this is being done at NC State. Brandon is way too gifted to score 0 points and take ONLY 6 SHOTS! Though he has a hand in how he performs, Sidney Lowe needs to see he needs to run his offense through Brandon as he did last season. I just hope he does not lose a couple of his kids mentally (and maybe physically) this season.
On Recruiting
Was watching Binghamton against Stony Brook last night on the tube. Great atmosphere at Binghamton and beautiful gym. All of a sudden I realized that Mitchell Buford, former Christ the King star, was on the Stony Brook Roster. I remember him as a hot shot 10th grader who commuted to Middle Village from out on Long Island to play for Bob Oliva at Christ the King. He was on everyone's early recruitment list! Stony Brook? Yes Stony Brook! One of the best academic universities on the east coast and a secrete to many. A school that is one of 4 university research centers in the State University of NY System. Yes a GREAT SCHOOL! When Mitchell receives his degree from Stony Brook it will open great doors for him because he will be ready to enter the world of work or graduate and professional schools, with confidence.
I tell this story because it is important for young men and women to understand once the last game is over you quickly become just a face in the crowd. No one will make over you like they did when you were recruited. During recruitment time you, your parents, advisers, coaches, were the toast of the schools recruiting you. We know about the free Nike, Adidas, and Reebok gear you received via your AAU Team and through your HS who might just have a contract with one of the big 3 I mentioned. But when it is over you will be right at Sports Authority or Foot Locker looking for what's on sale lol. No more free stuff. Than when you attend games you will be just doing that, attending. No one will make over you because 7 years ago you played for ?????? Or you were a top 100 player in America. Everyone will be into the new crop of kids. I often watch the reaction ex NBA guys, and local college and HS stars receive when they walk into the gym. Heck Nate Archibald goes to games and people often ignore him. and he led the NBA in scoring and assists one year. Ditto Dean "the Dream" Meminger, Gus Williams, and many others including Jay Williams, and Tony Campbell. All GREAT GUYS who are doing well thank god. But they are no longer celebrities.
This is the reason kids need to choose colleges that will prepare them for life after basketball. Places that will work with them academically for them to get a college degree. But even more important work with them to comprehend what is being taught in the classroom. Mitchell Buford seems to understand this. He will get his degree from a great school and be ready for his career after basketball.
College Athletes After College
Just a short note on this. Whats the deal with colleges acting like it is OK to graduate from ???????????? University and getting a job they did not have to attend college to get? I mean it's nothing wrong with taking civil service jobs, but to celebrate people taking those jobs after graduating from your university? Wow!! I love the IONA model where they really help the ex players find great positions after graduation. Columbia University had (might still in existence) a basketball club that made sure all players had great summer internships and great jobs after graduation. Let's be happy for anyone with a job in this economy, and Celebrate those who achieve and receive positions that were made possible because they received a college degree. More on this at a latter date.
North Carolina State Loses
North Carolina State lost to Clemson last night and it was not a pretty sight. What makes the loss more alarming is the fighting going on with the NC State Team. I was also interested to find out why Brandon Costner's stats are down from a year ago.
Spoke to a few people I know in North Carolina including one super NC State fan. It was the same story from each person. The old guys on the team have not accepted new roles with the new players having a larger role on the team than expected. NC State has very good talent!! They just are not playing well together.
Brandon Costner was considered the 2nd best COLLEGE small forward in the entire USA this season according to a few college publications. He was expected to be a contender for ACC Player of the Year. What happened? can he play? Is he injured? Against Clemson he scored 0 points on 0 for 6 shooting in 20 plus minutes.
I honestly feel he is the same player he was last season but is not being coached the same way this year, nor is the NC State Coaches doing all they can to get him involved in the offense. Add his laid back demeanor to the equation and you have a a formula for under achievement. Coaching college basketball at the highest level is difficult to say the least. It's not just about X and Os. It's about team management, motivation, putting kids in position to succeed as opposed to failing, encouraging, and blending all the talent to make a group of gifted players a TEAM. Not sure this is being done at NC State. Brandon is way too gifted to score 0 points and take ONLY 6 SHOTS! Though he has a hand in how he performs, Sidney Lowe needs to see he needs to run his offense through Brandon as he did last season. I just hope he does not lose a couple of his kids mentally (and maybe physically) this season.
On Recruiting
Was watching Binghamton against Stony Brook last night on the tube. Great atmosphere at Binghamton and beautiful gym. All of a sudden I realized that Mitchell Buford, former Christ the King star, was on the Stony Brook Roster. I remember him as a hot shot 10th grader who commuted to Middle Village from out on Long Island to play for Bob Oliva at Christ the King. He was on everyone's early recruitment list! Stony Brook? Yes Stony Brook! One of the best academic universities on the east coast and a secrete to many. A school that is one of 4 university research centers in the State University of NY System. Yes a GREAT SCHOOL! When Mitchell receives his degree from Stony Brook it will open great doors for him because he will be ready to enter the world of work or graduate and professional schools, with confidence.
I tell this story because it is important for young men and women to understand once the last game is over you quickly become just a face in the crowd. No one will make over you like they did when you were recruited. During recruitment time you, your parents, advisers, coaches, were the toast of the schools recruiting you. We know about the free Nike, Adidas, and Reebok gear you received via your AAU Team and through your HS who might just have a contract with one of the big 3 I mentioned. But when it is over you will be right at Sports Authority or Foot Locker looking for what's on sale lol. No more free stuff. Than when you attend games you will be just doing that, attending. No one will make over you because 7 years ago you played for ?????? Or you were a top 100 player in America. Everyone will be into the new crop of kids. I often watch the reaction ex NBA guys, and local college and HS stars receive when they walk into the gym. Heck Nate Archibald goes to games and people often ignore him. and he led the NBA in scoring and assists one year. Ditto Dean "the Dream" Meminger, Gus Williams, and many others including Jay Williams, and Tony Campbell. All GREAT GUYS who are doing well thank god. But they are no longer celebrities.
This is the reason kids need to choose colleges that will prepare them for life after basketball. Places that will work with them academically for them to get a college degree. But even more important work with them to comprehend what is being taught in the classroom. Mitchell Buford seems to understand this. He will get his degree from a great school and be ready for his career after basketball.
College Athletes After College
Just a short note on this. Whats the deal with colleges acting like it is OK to graduate from ???????????? University and getting a job they did not have to attend college to get? I mean it's nothing wrong with taking civil service jobs, but to celebrate people taking those jobs after graduating from your university? Wow!! I love the IONA model where they really help the ex players find great positions after graduation. Columbia University had (might still in existence) a basketball club that made sure all players had great summer internships and great jobs after graduation. Let's be happy for anyone with a job in this economy, and Celebrate those who achieve and receive positions that were made possible because they received a college degree. More on this at a latter date.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday January 14, 2008
Madison Square Garden
Nike Super 6 Stuff
Was really excited to head to my hometown of New York City for the Nike Super 6. Unfortunately my excitement to attend the game made me forget to fill up the gas tank in my imitation Bentley. So as soon as I arrived in NYC my car ran out of gas. But God was watching because I ran out right in front of a gas station.
After that it was all great! Games were very good. I loved the fact all teams that participated were well outfitted with great uniforms and matching sneakers, etc. I get so upset watching some schools playing games with uniforms from 1990 and older. But again in this case the outfits were sharp. Maybe it was because each gets gear from Nike or someone.
Great to see all the scouting services set up. Saw Seton Hall contengent with Blue SHU clothing on. Looked great. Too bad the SHU coaches did not do the same lol.
I was surprised to see both St. Raymond's and Patterson Catholic wearing Nike's. They both have been Adidas schools for many years. I guess Adidas is going in another direction.
Alot of coaches working the crowd. Some of local big guys were there including Bobby G, Dermon Player, and Scott Adabatto (sp) from SHU who was dressed with a nice leather jacket looking like he was going going on an audition for Scarface 2. What happened to the days where college coaches came out with the school colors and a sweater vest with the school logo attached? Saw Calipari with a dark suit on with no tie. Glenn B from St. Johns, a great great great guy was at the games but Rutgers had a game so I guess they could not have spared anyone. By the way, Roy Williams showed up with a Carolina Blue Sweater on even though he is the HC of the number 1 team in America. Guess he still does it the old fashioned way. Funny thing about Roy, as John Salvo, a very knowledgeable HS and College guy mentioned to me, he never forgets names and faces. It's no wonder he does a GREAT JOB!! Also in attendance was Clyde ?, ex Canisius star, and current St. Francis of Brooklyn Assistant. Also in the house was Julius Allen, Assistant at Binghampton University of the American east Conference. Amazing how NO locally gave Jules an opportunity. All 3 local BE teams could have used him!!!
We all knew Dexter Strickland was committing to North Carolina. But many thought it would be Thursday. But when his Mom showed up with a Carolina Blue warm-up (store purchased with no logos, etc.) and Dexter with a Carolina Blue hood type jacket. we knew it was a done deal. This kid (Dexter) is such a great pick up FOR ANY TEAM IN AMERICA!!! Not just because he plays good basketball, but because he seems like such a well rounded young man. I watched kid after kid brush off hello's from people they did not know or answer questions with one word answers. Than there is Dexter. One person asked him a question and he looked the person in the eye and warmly answered with a full sentence and thanked the person for his kind words. WINNER!!!!!! These are the type of kids that certain schools look for. Winners on and off the court. Now all Dexter has to do is become just a bit more assertive in the next season and a half. As John Cano said to me this morning, he is only a junior. A legit junior age wise if you know what I mean.
Dexter played well in the game I watched as St. Pats beat St. Rays. But Truck Bryant is soooooooooooooooo smooth and GOOD!! A great pick-up for West Virginia and the super star COACHES (thats plural lol) they have on the bench. You could tell he was good from how he warmed up. Believe it or not 80% of the time you can tell alot about players from how they warm up. But the Man was Quintell Thomas. He gets better every game. I am sure Roy Williams was wishing he had recruited Quintell. I once said he would fight for minutes at Kansas. How wrong I was!! This kid is a STUD! And he is just scratching the surface. I also want to say Kevin Boyle can COACH!!! I also want everyone to know his son. who starts as a Sophmore (correction by the famous SPK from SHU), is the real deal!! NO crap about his game. he is a coaches son who plays the game well and enjoys being on the court. I am going to predict that this kid, young Boyle, will be a high D1 player by his senior years. Just playing the comp he plays against in practice and national games will get him better. And being with his Dad every single day will not hurt. Lastly on St. Pats. What's the deal with Paris Bennett? We know he can play. But is he the lost man out offensively on a very good St. Pats team? Maybe he should have transferred to Newark Science in exchange for Quintell Thomas Transferring to St. Pats from Science.
Paterson Catholic has some great young players to go along with Jordan Theodore. By the way Jordan's wonderful mom came by to say hello and thank me for acknowledging her in past posts. Back to the players. Trevor Cummings needs to really work on his body. He is just a big kid out on the court with good potential. Playing at an elite basketball school helps him more than he helps Patterson Catholic. 7 points? Please! He looks like Terrel Biggs in HS without all the skills Terrell had. But he has potential and needs to get with the right people this summer. you If he attended Teaneck, Hackensack, or Englewood he would not be on the radar yet. Lance Brown is another story. He will be a star and it will be sooner than later. Another Teaneck area kid who would do well at any HS. Looks like PC has decent coaches in place. They just need to keep the ball in Theodore's hands the 4th quarter so he can distribute. They really should have won the game against Mount Vernon. And to the Patterson Catholic Coaches: What's the deal with the seven foot kid playing 3 minutes? Is he that bad? Where are his parents? He should have been snatched out and put in Bosco, St. Joe'a, BC, or anywhere else where he could get playing time. I did not see a front line so good he needed to ride the bench. Terrible!!! And he is a senior!! And did anyone see his little brother? Heck I would give him minutes just to get the young brother who might be taller than him in a few years. It was comical when John Salvo, who knows 150 college coaches, asked him where he was going next year (John wanted to tell some local mid major guys about him) and the kid half replied not even looking in his direction. Definately not a Dexter Strickland personility lolol.
Mount Vernon remains a program as opposed to a team because Bob Cammino runs his program year round and has some very good dedicated Assistant Coaches who he never fails to acknowledge. Kevin Jones??? He played his butt off in the 4th quarter comeback. The freshmen guard will be the next big-time player in the Mt. Vernon Program. I wonder if Mt. Vernon still plays home games at 4 in the afternoon? ummmmm!
St Benedict's finds a way to win because Danny Hurley takes it serious and takes no crap from anyone. He did not start Samuel's for some reason yet he still wins the game against Rice, who is pretty good. Danny remains one of my favorite coaches and I think he will be legendary if he stays in the HS game. I feel the same way about Boyle. But I really love what Danny does. Look for my Grandson Logan to be on his roster in 15 0r 16 years lol. But most likely he will be on the college level than. Coaches like Danny, Kevin Boyle, and Maurice Hicks of Rice could easily step into head coaching jobs at Maac, NEC, or even Colonial Athletic schools.
Back to Samuel's. He is OK!!!!! Great? Not sure. Good? YES!!!! Greg E, the young big guy? Looking at right schools academically. Not as good as Samuel's but has another year to get better. Big body and average game at this point to me. What makes St. Benedict's so good is the system and the fact they are a program and play team basketball. They seem to have used much of the St. Anthony Model For Success.
Rice just keeps going and going and going! Maurice Hicks is outstanding! His kids play hard all game. He subs his players as well as anyone in America and is always one move ahead as he anticipates just like a chess master. People need to know that Rice does not have a gym. The room they call a gym is like a big classroom. Despite this they remain a to 10 HS team nationally year in and year out. Rice has been great for many years but slumped slightly some years back. Maurice, and a guy named Lou Demello before him, worked to get Rice back on the map. Maurice would be an excellent college head coach at a low d1 school.
New Power in Westchester County
Look for Roosevelt HS of Yonkers to become a power on the basketball scene by next season. Head Coach Kenny Stevens is working hard and making the right connections. But the smartest thing he did was hire Evandar Ford, a great teacher and coach to assist him. It just so happens Evander was Kenny's Rucker League coach 20 years ago. This is exactly what I mean when I say a head coach needs to understand his limitations. Kenny realized he needed experience on his bench! Sad that many local high D1 coaches do not realize this. Roosevelt plays Mount Vernon late this week or next week and it will be a good indicator of where they are as a team.
Also like what happened at Campus Magnet (formerly Andrew Jackson) in Queens. They beat powerful Cardoza and colorful Head Coach Ron Neclerio a few weeks back. One of my best friends, Bobby Holford, is a volunteer assistant to legendary HC Chuck Granby at Campus Magnet. Even a legend can use good help. Bobby was national Junior College Coach of the year when his Hostos CC team was the first NY area team to win a National bball championship since CCNY did it years ago. He has coached at Providence, Hofstra, FDU, and been a head coach at NY Tech, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Rockland County. Now he is helping his old HS as a volunteer. What a great pick-up. The rematch is this week and the game will be showed on MSG network.
Rumors
Big East player who lives locally will transfer at the end of the season to Miami
Local Big East Recruit suspended from Prep School
Other Local national recruit close to not playing again this season for bad habits
Nike Super 6 Stuff
Was really excited to head to my hometown of New York City for the Nike Super 6. Unfortunately my excitement to attend the game made me forget to fill up the gas tank in my imitation Bentley. So as soon as I arrived in NYC my car ran out of gas. But God was watching because I ran out right in front of a gas station.
After that it was all great! Games were very good. I loved the fact all teams that participated were well outfitted with great uniforms and matching sneakers, etc. I get so upset watching some schools playing games with uniforms from 1990 and older. But again in this case the outfits were sharp. Maybe it was because each gets gear from Nike or someone.
Great to see all the scouting services set up. Saw Seton Hall contengent with Blue SHU clothing on. Looked great. Too bad the SHU coaches did not do the same lol.
I was surprised to see both St. Raymond's and Patterson Catholic wearing Nike's. They both have been Adidas schools for many years. I guess Adidas is going in another direction.
Alot of coaches working the crowd. Some of local big guys were there including Bobby G, Dermon Player, and Scott Adabatto (sp) from SHU who was dressed with a nice leather jacket looking like he was going going on an audition for Scarface 2. What happened to the days where college coaches came out with the school colors and a sweater vest with the school logo attached? Saw Calipari with a dark suit on with no tie. Glenn B from St. Johns, a great great great guy was at the games but Rutgers had a game so I guess they could not have spared anyone. By the way, Roy Williams showed up with a Carolina Blue Sweater on even though he is the HC of the number 1 team in America. Guess he still does it the old fashioned way. Funny thing about Roy, as John Salvo, a very knowledgeable HS and College guy mentioned to me, he never forgets names and faces. It's no wonder he does a GREAT JOB!! Also in attendance was Clyde ?, ex Canisius star, and current St. Francis of Brooklyn Assistant. Also in the house was Julius Allen, Assistant at Binghampton University of the American east Conference. Amazing how NO locally gave Jules an opportunity. All 3 local BE teams could have used him!!!
We all knew Dexter Strickland was committing to North Carolina. But many thought it would be Thursday. But when his Mom showed up with a Carolina Blue warm-up (store purchased with no logos, etc.) and Dexter with a Carolina Blue hood type jacket. we knew it was a done deal. This kid (Dexter) is such a great pick up FOR ANY TEAM IN AMERICA!!! Not just because he plays good basketball, but because he seems like such a well rounded young man. I watched kid after kid brush off hello's from people they did not know or answer questions with one word answers. Than there is Dexter. One person asked him a question and he looked the person in the eye and warmly answered with a full sentence and thanked the person for his kind words. WINNER!!!!!! These are the type of kids that certain schools look for. Winners on and off the court. Now all Dexter has to do is become just a bit more assertive in the next season and a half. As John Cano said to me this morning, he is only a junior. A legit junior age wise if you know what I mean.
Dexter played well in the game I watched as St. Pats beat St. Rays. But Truck Bryant is soooooooooooooooo smooth and GOOD!! A great pick-up for West Virginia and the super star COACHES (thats plural lol) they have on the bench. You could tell he was good from how he warmed up. Believe it or not 80% of the time you can tell alot about players from how they warm up. But the Man was Quintell Thomas. He gets better every game. I am sure Roy Williams was wishing he had recruited Quintell. I once said he would fight for minutes at Kansas. How wrong I was!! This kid is a STUD! And he is just scratching the surface. I also want to say Kevin Boyle can COACH!!! I also want everyone to know his son. who starts as a Sophmore (correction by the famous SPK from SHU), is the real deal!! NO crap about his game. he is a coaches son who plays the game well and enjoys being on the court. I am going to predict that this kid, young Boyle, will be a high D1 player by his senior years. Just playing the comp he plays against in practice and national games will get him better. And being with his Dad every single day will not hurt. Lastly on St. Pats. What's the deal with Paris Bennett? We know he can play. But is he the lost man out offensively on a very good St. Pats team? Maybe he should have transferred to Newark Science in exchange for Quintell Thomas Transferring to St. Pats from Science.
Paterson Catholic has some great young players to go along with Jordan Theodore. By the way Jordan's wonderful mom came by to say hello and thank me for acknowledging her in past posts. Back to the players. Trevor Cummings needs to really work on his body. He is just a big kid out on the court with good potential. Playing at an elite basketball school helps him more than he helps Patterson Catholic. 7 points? Please! He looks like Terrel Biggs in HS without all the skills Terrell had. But he has potential and needs to get with the right people this summer. you If he attended Teaneck, Hackensack, or Englewood he would not be on the radar yet. Lance Brown is another story. He will be a star and it will be sooner than later. Another Teaneck area kid who would do well at any HS. Looks like PC has decent coaches in place. They just need to keep the ball in Theodore's hands the 4th quarter so he can distribute. They really should have won the game against Mount Vernon. And to the Patterson Catholic Coaches: What's the deal with the seven foot kid playing 3 minutes? Is he that bad? Where are his parents? He should have been snatched out and put in Bosco, St. Joe'a, BC, or anywhere else where he could get playing time. I did not see a front line so good he needed to ride the bench. Terrible!!! And he is a senior!! And did anyone see his little brother? Heck I would give him minutes just to get the young brother who might be taller than him in a few years. It was comical when John Salvo, who knows 150 college coaches, asked him where he was going next year (John wanted to tell some local mid major guys about him) and the kid half replied not even looking in his direction. Definately not a Dexter Strickland personility lolol.
Mount Vernon remains a program as opposed to a team because Bob Cammino runs his program year round and has some very good dedicated Assistant Coaches who he never fails to acknowledge. Kevin Jones??? He played his butt off in the 4th quarter comeback. The freshmen guard will be the next big-time player in the Mt. Vernon Program. I wonder if Mt. Vernon still plays home games at 4 in the afternoon? ummmmm!
St Benedict's finds a way to win because Danny Hurley takes it serious and takes no crap from anyone. He did not start Samuel's for some reason yet he still wins the game against Rice, who is pretty good. Danny remains one of my favorite coaches and I think he will be legendary if he stays in the HS game. I feel the same way about Boyle. But I really love what Danny does. Look for my Grandson Logan to be on his roster in 15 0r 16 years lol. But most likely he will be on the college level than. Coaches like Danny, Kevin Boyle, and Maurice Hicks of Rice could easily step into head coaching jobs at Maac, NEC, or even Colonial Athletic schools.
Back to Samuel's. He is OK!!!!! Great? Not sure. Good? YES!!!! Greg E, the young big guy? Looking at right schools academically. Not as good as Samuel's but has another year to get better. Big body and average game at this point to me. What makes St. Benedict's so good is the system and the fact they are a program and play team basketball. They seem to have used much of the St. Anthony Model For Success.
Rice just keeps going and going and going! Maurice Hicks is outstanding! His kids play hard all game. He subs his players as well as anyone in America and is always one move ahead as he anticipates just like a chess master. People need to know that Rice does not have a gym. The room they call a gym is like a big classroom. Despite this they remain a to 10 HS team nationally year in and year out. Rice has been great for many years but slumped slightly some years back. Maurice, and a guy named Lou Demello before him, worked to get Rice back on the map. Maurice would be an excellent college head coach at a low d1 school.
New Power in Westchester County
Look for Roosevelt HS of Yonkers to become a power on the basketball scene by next season. Head Coach Kenny Stevens is working hard and making the right connections. But the smartest thing he did was hire Evandar Ford, a great teacher and coach to assist him. It just so happens Evander was Kenny's Rucker League coach 20 years ago. This is exactly what I mean when I say a head coach needs to understand his limitations. Kenny realized he needed experience on his bench! Sad that many local high D1 coaches do not realize this. Roosevelt plays Mount Vernon late this week or next week and it will be a good indicator of where they are as a team.
Also like what happened at Campus Magnet (formerly Andrew Jackson) in Queens. They beat powerful Cardoza and colorful Head Coach Ron Neclerio a few weeks back. One of my best friends, Bobby Holford, is a volunteer assistant to legendary HC Chuck Granby at Campus Magnet. Even a legend can use good help. Bobby was national Junior College Coach of the year when his Hostos CC team was the first NY area team to win a National bball championship since CCNY did it years ago. He has coached at Providence, Hofstra, FDU, and been a head coach at NY Tech, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Rockland County. Now he is helping his old HS as a volunteer. What a great pick-up. The rematch is this week and the game will be showed on MSG network.
Rumors
Big East player who lives locally will transfer at the end of the season to Miami
Local Big East Recruit suspended from Prep School
Other Local national recruit close to not playing again this season for bad habits
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Back from ACC Country
Great to be back in the tri state area. I was in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia since Monday. Now back to hoops. I wonder if I was missed? lol. I doubt it!! But it seems alot has been going on. Here are just a few snips from me on various subjects.
Looking forward to the Super 6 at MSG on Sunday. I will be there very early to check out the games that take place before the games. To watch deals being made and to discuss great bball stuff with great local fans like John Salvo, mike Williams, all the great SHU and RU fans, and more. The lobby should be great!!
Was down on tabacco road late Tuesday. I have been to Duke in the past, but never to Cameron Indoor Stadium. John Cano, my main guy and great bball fan who works for the NBA had told me the arena was nowhere as impressive as it looks on TV. I went late and was able to see the gym empty. All I can say is it is nowhere as nice as people think. It looks like a decent sized HS gym. I also now realize why the students stand. If they sat down it would not be enough room for all of them. And Durham? It's a nice city but nit unlike areas we all know where we live. But they still get stud players!!!!!
Chapel Hill and the Dean Smith Center? WOW!!!!!! Outstanding campus and state of the art building for games. Its no wonder folks say when a kid visits Carolina, they commit! You add tradition and put great academics and buildings, and its no wonder they do so well every year. I am too old to speak about the young coeds. But you cam imagine. Guys looking like monsters were walking around with models lol.
During my time in West Virginia it was clear that many people love the sports teams. Without professional sports teams, it's what they have to cheer about. Because the state is somewhat depressed from being ripped by big industry years ago, the WVU teams provide alot for them to cheer about.
Saw local BE Teams lost some games. Will it get better? Will it get worst? Is anyone happy? Funny how people make statements about folks when things are not going great. FHJ should go? That's Crazy!!!!!!! FHJ SHOULD NOT GO!!! RU knew what they were getting into. They knew it would take time to make the team a program. Now I do feel FHJ needs to stop it with the line-up change and decreased minutes for some players. FHJ needs to start from scratch TODAY! Go with your most talented line-up. You have to score points to win games. Stop hurting yourself, and your team. Because you might not win many this season, why not use this time to put in a system that REQUIRES players to PASS and cut. PASS and move. No one should take close to a shot per minute. Michael Jordan did not even do that. Harness your talent and start fresh Saturday. Playing as a team anything can happen.
SHU lost a game and Bobby G got into an argument with his coaching counterpart Tom Crean (sp)? Well let me be the first to tell many of you his counterpart is not known to be one of the real nice guys. Bobby might not make alot of friends but he will claw and fight for victories. The Nuter of the past needs to show up and play hard. Lang has to play Team ball and worry about NBA stuff later. Big Mike continues to impress. But as I said over a week ago, He Needs To Learn How to run lanes and the entire court. Also glad he did well academically. I really look forward to this kid graduating from college. Brett Carter had done a great job with Mike. And it seems Mike will be OK even if basketball is not in his future, though I think it will be in some capacity. Guase? MY MAN and I do not even know him. You guys better get that job offer ready for him. I still feel you guys need more on the bench with Gonzo. And even though I like him alot, I know he will never take that strong Assistant Coach. But He knows how to win.
I have heard rumors that some SJU fans already are doing lists of coaches to take over for Norm Roberts next season. I hope this does not happen but many seem eager to see a change. Here also is a program with a staff that should be stronger. Some of the names mentioned to me are interesting especially one guy from ACC territory who would be outstanding. In fact there are 2 guys I can think of who would do well. But I still feel Norman has a great chance of turning it around at SJU. Too bad they can not bring back the legal stipends for housing and living expenses.
Coaching Expectations
1. Recruit Atheletes who are students
2. Teach The Game
3. Motivate Players and Staff
4. Support Program Participants
5. Prepare Strategy
6. Make game and coaching adjustments
7. Develop Talent
8. Represent Institution well
How about winning? When folks say winning is not that important I say BULL!!! Winning is what it is about and why schools provide scholarships. Money is made when teams win. But that does not mean if coach does not win right away he is a failure. IT TAKES time to build a program. But overall program improvement should be noticeable regardless of record.
Mick Cronin at Cincinnati is doing his thing. Great guy who was a favorite of players when he was a counselor at the ABCD Camp years ago. By the way, his dad is a HS coaching legend in Ohio!
Still raving about the staff assembled by Bob Huggins. Billy Hahn? Larry Harris? Two former head coaches who also are known as superb recruiters. And BH can coach!!! Seems like he is winning with a different type of kid. He adjusted his offense to the kids in his program.
Looking forward to the Super 6 at MSG on Sunday. I will be there very early to check out the games that take place before the games. To watch deals being made and to discuss great bball stuff with great local fans like John Salvo, mike Williams, all the great SHU and RU fans, and more. The lobby should be great!!
Was down on tabacco road late Tuesday. I have been to Duke in the past, but never to Cameron Indoor Stadium. John Cano, my main guy and great bball fan who works for the NBA had told me the arena was nowhere as impressive as it looks on TV. I went late and was able to see the gym empty. All I can say is it is nowhere as nice as people think. It looks like a decent sized HS gym. I also now realize why the students stand. If they sat down it would not be enough room for all of them. And Durham? It's a nice city but nit unlike areas we all know where we live. But they still get stud players!!!!!
Chapel Hill and the Dean Smith Center? WOW!!!!!! Outstanding campus and state of the art building for games. Its no wonder folks say when a kid visits Carolina, they commit! You add tradition and put great academics and buildings, and its no wonder they do so well every year. I am too old to speak about the young coeds. But you cam imagine. Guys looking like monsters were walking around with models lol.
During my time in West Virginia it was clear that many people love the sports teams. Without professional sports teams, it's what they have to cheer about. Because the state is somewhat depressed from being ripped by big industry years ago, the WVU teams provide alot for them to cheer about.
Saw local BE Teams lost some games. Will it get better? Will it get worst? Is anyone happy? Funny how people make statements about folks when things are not going great. FHJ should go? That's Crazy!!!!!!! FHJ SHOULD NOT GO!!! RU knew what they were getting into. They knew it would take time to make the team a program. Now I do feel FHJ needs to stop it with the line-up change and decreased minutes for some players. FHJ needs to start from scratch TODAY! Go with your most talented line-up. You have to score points to win games. Stop hurting yourself, and your team. Because you might not win many this season, why not use this time to put in a system that REQUIRES players to PASS and cut. PASS and move. No one should take close to a shot per minute. Michael Jordan did not even do that. Harness your talent and start fresh Saturday. Playing as a team anything can happen.
SHU lost a game and Bobby G got into an argument with his coaching counterpart Tom Crean (sp)? Well let me be the first to tell many of you his counterpart is not known to be one of the real nice guys. Bobby might not make alot of friends but he will claw and fight for victories. The Nuter of the past needs to show up and play hard. Lang has to play Team ball and worry about NBA stuff later. Big Mike continues to impress. But as I said over a week ago, He Needs To Learn How to run lanes and the entire court. Also glad he did well academically. I really look forward to this kid graduating from college. Brett Carter had done a great job with Mike. And it seems Mike will be OK even if basketball is not in his future, though I think it will be in some capacity. Guase? MY MAN and I do not even know him. You guys better get that job offer ready for him. I still feel you guys need more on the bench with Gonzo. And even though I like him alot, I know he will never take that strong Assistant Coach. But He knows how to win.
I have heard rumors that some SJU fans already are doing lists of coaches to take over for Norm Roberts next season. I hope this does not happen but many seem eager to see a change. Here also is a program with a staff that should be stronger. Some of the names mentioned to me are interesting especially one guy from ACC territory who would be outstanding. In fact there are 2 guys I can think of who would do well. But I still feel Norman has a great chance of turning it around at SJU. Too bad they can not bring back the legal stipends for housing and living expenses.
Coaching Expectations
1. Recruit Atheletes who are students
2. Teach The Game
3. Motivate Players and Staff
4. Support Program Participants
5. Prepare Strategy
6. Make game and coaching adjustments
7. Develop Talent
8. Represent Institution well
How about winning? When folks say winning is not that important I say BULL!!! Winning is what it is about and why schools provide scholarships. Money is made when teams win. But that does not mean if coach does not win right away he is a failure. IT TAKES time to build a program. But overall program improvement should be noticeable regardless of record.
Mick Cronin at Cincinnati is doing his thing. Great guy who was a favorite of players when he was a counselor at the ABCD Camp years ago. By the way, his dad is a HS coaching legend in Ohio!
Still raving about the staff assembled by Bob Huggins. Billy Hahn? Larry Harris? Two former head coaches who also are known as superb recruiters. And BH can coach!!! Seems like he is winning with a different type of kid. He adjusted his offense to the kids in his program.
Monday, January 7, 2008
My Blog
LFBall On Hoops was created to express my thoughts and those of others who want to express their feelings about hoops. This blog was not created to take the place of message boards or internet sites that write about HS and College basketball. Do I still read college and HS boards? OF COURSE. I read them just like everyone else including Hoops Wise and Adam Zagoria among others. Never knew anything was wrong with that. I have seen posts I put on the Internet as part of news stories for years. Besides, the sites I read are great! Rutgers, SHU, Kentucky, NYCNJHOOPS, Villanova, St. Joes, Zags, and others are outstanding. I read all of them all the time.
Now with this site I have attempted to make it interesting. But it is my site and I will keep it respectful but not allow folks to say things that are lies. I will not attempt to respond to message boards because I am not interested in debates. But I will answer comments on my blog and my personal email as well. My email is LFBall@aol.com.
I did respond to JR info on the RU site on my blog because I wanted to provide my thoughts on my blog. It is far from just me talking about JR. It unfair for RU posters to make it seem that way. I have covered on my blog deaths, basketball guys who are sick, recruiting, basketball history, HS stuff, AAU, and more. To say I am only doing messages is unfair to me and what I am attempting to present. If someone read the entire blog they would see multiple posts about multiple issues. Am I not to write about JR because I know him? Think others do not talk about folks they know in a positive light? Think FHJ does not have friends in the media that he planted stories with for years? Ditto Gonzo and others? Plus, I call it as I see it with JR and others. Check earlier blogs posts from me where I am very hard on JR. Check out prior posts I made on the RU board where I agreed with FHJ about discipline with JR and others.
Lastly, this is something I never said but I will now. JR DID NOTHING WRONG off the court! FHJ is trying to get him to play better and more focused . I got that from JR and others. When folks put out there that "There Has To be More To It Than We Know," and they act like real program insiders, it makes an innocent person look very guilty of an unknown crime. JR is a good kid. Almost too dog gone good. I wish he would get in trouble somtimes LOL. Folks would feel he is tougher than lol.
Hopefully this is the last time I will have to talk about my blog in this manner. I want everyone to enjoy it but if someone like the two folks who said I might as well write on the RU message board do not like it, they should not read it. Remember I read the RU board because I like it.
Lastly someone used the word Journalist in describing what I am attempting. That sounds great but if I am a Journalist the it would take away credibility from guys who really write for a living. I am just a fan, with a little time on his hand, writing about a subject I enjoy. Thanks to those who read my stuff wheter they like it or not.
Now with this site I have attempted to make it interesting. But it is my site and I will keep it respectful but not allow folks to say things that are lies. I will not attempt to respond to message boards because I am not interested in debates. But I will answer comments on my blog and my personal email as well. My email is LFBall@aol.com.
I did respond to JR info on the RU site on my blog because I wanted to provide my thoughts on my blog. It is far from just me talking about JR. It unfair for RU posters to make it seem that way. I have covered on my blog deaths, basketball guys who are sick, recruiting, basketball history, HS stuff, AAU, and more. To say I am only doing messages is unfair to me and what I am attempting to present. If someone read the entire blog they would see multiple posts about multiple issues. Am I not to write about JR because I know him? Think others do not talk about folks they know in a positive light? Think FHJ does not have friends in the media that he planted stories with for years? Ditto Gonzo and others? Plus, I call it as I see it with JR and others. Check earlier blogs posts from me where I am very hard on JR. Check out prior posts I made on the RU board where I agreed with FHJ about discipline with JR and others.
Lastly, this is something I never said but I will now. JR DID NOTHING WRONG off the court! FHJ is trying to get him to play better and more focused . I got that from JR and others. When folks put out there that "There Has To be More To It Than We Know," and they act like real program insiders, it makes an innocent person look very guilty of an unknown crime. JR is a good kid. Almost too dog gone good. I wish he would get in trouble somtimes LOL. Folks would feel he is tougher than lol.
Hopefully this is the last time I will have to talk about my blog in this manner. I want everyone to enjoy it but if someone like the two folks who said I might as well write on the RU message board do not like it, they should not read it. Remember I read the RU board because I like it.
Lastly someone used the word Journalist in describing what I am attempting. That sounds great but if I am a Journalist the it would take away credibility from guys who really write for a living. I am just a fan, with a little time on his hand, writing about a subject I enjoy. Thanks to those who read my stuff wheter they like it or not.
Monday January 6, 2008
Before departing for business in Charlotte North Carolina, I wanted to write a little bit about college basketball recruiting. many do not know that my background includes many years working at college's and many more working with and watching young basketball players develop. I also had an opportunity to play on the college level many years ago as well as coach in college for a few years. So though I might not be an expert, I have been around. Having a son who was fairly highly recruited also gives me parental experience.
So here is my take and I really wish HS players would read and understand. Even the super star players need to understand some of what I am writing. But those who are so called 3-4 star players and below should pay particular attention. There are many 4 star kids who now work for minimum wage or seeking assistance that has not been there for them.
Besides what I have written below, I also think kids should look at playing style of teams recruiting them, personnel on roster by year in school and position, history of recruiting, player development from year to year, workout facilities, teaching ability of coaches, coaching demeanor during games, fan base, and attendance and support since no one wants to play only in front of friends and family.
1. HS Star players are commodities to large universities who often do not even care about them
away from basketball. That's why it is so important to choose schools by what you would get
as a student academically, who the coaches REALLY ARE, and not be drawn in by the
glamour associated with a program.
2. Make sure when you choose a college or university you choose a school the LOVES YOU and
YOUR game as opposed to just liking you. Too many kids accept last minute offers not
understanding that big university is taking them because another kid they really wanted
rejected them. Being 2nd or 5th choice could workout, but often they will go and recruit over
you the following year. Especially if you have a non-impressive 1st year.
3. Make sure you choose a school with GREAT ACADEMIC support and a Alumni network to
assist you with career choices after graduation. Right Now that Super Star Women at SHU,
Robin Cunningham, is as valuable as any Assistant Coach in my eyes. She is that good!!!
Rutgers also has a great support staff and even has a guy on the bench to help with personal
issues. Also, my ex player and one of the great guys on the planet, Mark Peterson works
for the RU Academic Support Program.
4. Make sure you sign with a school where the Head Coach wants you as much if not more,
than the assistant coaches. many of the far west and mid west schools allow asst. coaches
to make the decisions on recruits. The head coach might not even see a potential player
than when he shows on campus and the HC does not like him its all down hill.
5. Is a repeat of 4 because it is that important. Make sure the HEAD COACH is recruiting
you!!!! Even with home visits. If the head coach does not come, how serious can they
be? When my son was being recruited and large schools wanted to send Assistants for
home visits, we turned them down to see schools like Siena or FDU (FHJ) because
we did not want to waste time with schools not really serious at that time. But even we fell
victims to what I am saying here when the final decision was made.
6. Do not get fooled by slick video presentations and jersey hangings with your name! Watch
the movie Blue Chip for more on this. Schools will wine and dine you to get you. Nothing is out
of the question. From great parties, to ............... (fill in the blanks), everything goes. And
Big time NCAA hoops is about making big dollars. You are as important to them as car
designs are to GM.
7. If possible visit schools un-announced. Just go to the school on your own and look around
and talk to people. Buy a ticket to a game and sit up top with fans and get the real deal.
The coaches who are recruiting you are not necessarily the coaches you will see when you
arrive on campus, though the outer bodies will be the same. That nice personable HC
could turn out to be a crazy control freak with a huge ego. I have heard stories about
coaches threatening players with bad press in the newspapers. Sean Banks the ex
Memphis player never recovered. Maybe he will soon since he is doing well in the NBA
development league. But the Press he received from his coach hurt him.
8. Ask for graduation lists and what the graduates who played basketball are doing now. Be
sure to look at the non basketball playing careers. Still remember one local BE stand out
graduating and working at a community center in Brooklyn as a security guard. Had my
man Jim Couch (Dyckman Program) call the ex head coach who promptly got the kid a much
better position for a college graduate. Best success stories in this area has always been
IONA College. Every ex basketball player I know from there has done exceptionally well!!
And I know at least 25. Unfortunately most kids think they are going to the NBA and
this area does not really concern them. Maybe that's why Walk-on's at high D1 programs
do so well. There is a former walk-on from St. Johns that is like the Prince of Wall Street and
making royal dollars. I would bet he has a few ex stars working for him lol.
9. Do not allow other's ego get in the way of what is right for you. Relatives and advisers
often love the spot-lite. I know because I was like this at one time lol. Great knowing
people you see on national TV. But folks have to do what's right for the player and advise
him with their best interest in mind. Trust me when I tell you, coaches know how to stroke
people to get results. I have watched some of the top coaches in America hang with some
of the biggest crack dealers in America including having lunch, etc. to get a player. I have
seen assistant coaches date aunts, moms, and other relatives to get players. trust me!!!
But the sad part of this is when the recruitment is over, they barely speak to you again.
Might not even return phone calls. FHJ, Gonzo, Jay, Norm are nowhere like this. Neither are
most of the other area coaches. Quick Story. I worked with a 6 ft 9 kid being recruited by
Penn State and alot of others. Thought Penn State would be a good fit. Went to a game on
my own with kid and parents. sat up top away from Court. Went down and saw asst. Kurt
Kanaskis who was ex head coach at Drake and person who impressed me when he recruited
my son. He would barely say hello and brushed me off before I could say who was with me.
He was soooooooo rude. But that is what happens. Remember the Women who really did a
wonderful job with Lenny Cooke. She had him going in the right direction until others got
involved. She was the darling of the AAU circuit while Lenny played. Folks kissed her butt
all the time. Once Lenny was done, she became invisible. And she was a nice person!!!
10. If a coach is on the hot seat. Commit and sign in the spring. Stupid NCAA rules will hurt you
if a coach leaves for one reason or another. Ditto if you are interested in a powerful mid-
major school. Coaches are at mid major schools to get promoted to the big-time. Trust me!!
If Kevin Willard wins at Iona for 3 years straight he is leaving. Even guys like Tom Green
at FDU attempt to move up despite being at a particular school for 20 years.
When you next go to a game look for the kid who were stars before you. Check out what they are doing now. Ask them about experience. Maybe it's the reason you should speak to more than basketball people about your recruitment.
So here is my take and I really wish HS players would read and understand. Even the super star players need to understand some of what I am writing. But those who are so called 3-4 star players and below should pay particular attention. There are many 4 star kids who now work for minimum wage or seeking assistance that has not been there for them.
Besides what I have written below, I also think kids should look at playing style of teams recruiting them, personnel on roster by year in school and position, history of recruiting, player development from year to year, workout facilities, teaching ability of coaches, coaching demeanor during games, fan base, and attendance and support since no one wants to play only in front of friends and family.
1. HS Star players are commodities to large universities who often do not even care about them
away from basketball. That's why it is so important to choose schools by what you would get
as a student academically, who the coaches REALLY ARE, and not be drawn in by the
glamour associated with a program.
2. Make sure when you choose a college or university you choose a school the LOVES YOU and
YOUR game as opposed to just liking you. Too many kids accept last minute offers not
understanding that big university is taking them because another kid they really wanted
rejected them. Being 2nd or 5th choice could workout, but often they will go and recruit over
you the following year. Especially if you have a non-impressive 1st year.
3. Make sure you choose a school with GREAT ACADEMIC support and a Alumni network to
assist you with career choices after graduation. Right Now that Super Star Women at SHU,
Robin Cunningham, is as valuable as any Assistant Coach in my eyes. She is that good!!!
Rutgers also has a great support staff and even has a guy on the bench to help with personal
issues. Also, my ex player and one of the great guys on the planet, Mark Peterson works
for the RU Academic Support Program.
4. Make sure you sign with a school where the Head Coach wants you as much if not more,
than the assistant coaches. many of the far west and mid west schools allow asst. coaches
to make the decisions on recruits. The head coach might not even see a potential player
than when he shows on campus and the HC does not like him its all down hill.
5. Is a repeat of 4 because it is that important. Make sure the HEAD COACH is recruiting
you!!!! Even with home visits. If the head coach does not come, how serious can they
be? When my son was being recruited and large schools wanted to send Assistants for
home visits, we turned them down to see schools like Siena or FDU (FHJ) because
we did not want to waste time with schools not really serious at that time. But even we fell
victims to what I am saying here when the final decision was made.
6. Do not get fooled by slick video presentations and jersey hangings with your name! Watch
the movie Blue Chip for more on this. Schools will wine and dine you to get you. Nothing is out
of the question. From great parties, to ............... (fill in the blanks), everything goes. And
Big time NCAA hoops is about making big dollars. You are as important to them as car
designs are to GM.
7. If possible visit schools un-announced. Just go to the school on your own and look around
and talk to people. Buy a ticket to a game and sit up top with fans and get the real deal.
The coaches who are recruiting you are not necessarily the coaches you will see when you
arrive on campus, though the outer bodies will be the same. That nice personable HC
could turn out to be a crazy control freak with a huge ego. I have heard stories about
coaches threatening players with bad press in the newspapers. Sean Banks the ex
Memphis player never recovered. Maybe he will soon since he is doing well in the NBA
development league. But the Press he received from his coach hurt him.
8. Ask for graduation lists and what the graduates who played basketball are doing now. Be
sure to look at the non basketball playing careers. Still remember one local BE stand out
graduating and working at a community center in Brooklyn as a security guard. Had my
man Jim Couch (Dyckman Program) call the ex head coach who promptly got the kid a much
better position for a college graduate. Best success stories in this area has always been
IONA College. Every ex basketball player I know from there has done exceptionally well!!
And I know at least 25. Unfortunately most kids think they are going to the NBA and
this area does not really concern them. Maybe that's why Walk-on's at high D1 programs
do so well. There is a former walk-on from St. Johns that is like the Prince of Wall Street and
making royal dollars. I would bet he has a few ex stars working for him lol.
9. Do not allow other's ego get in the way of what is right for you. Relatives and advisers
often love the spot-lite. I know because I was like this at one time lol. Great knowing
people you see on national TV. But folks have to do what's right for the player and advise
him with their best interest in mind. Trust me when I tell you, coaches know how to stroke
people to get results. I have watched some of the top coaches in America hang with some
of the biggest crack dealers in America including having lunch, etc. to get a player. I have
seen assistant coaches date aunts, moms, and other relatives to get players. trust me!!!
But the sad part of this is when the recruitment is over, they barely speak to you again.
Might not even return phone calls. FHJ, Gonzo, Jay, Norm are nowhere like this. Neither are
most of the other area coaches. Quick Story. I worked with a 6 ft 9 kid being recruited by
Penn State and alot of others. Thought Penn State would be a good fit. Went to a game on
my own with kid and parents. sat up top away from Court. Went down and saw asst. Kurt
Kanaskis who was ex head coach at Drake and person who impressed me when he recruited
my son. He would barely say hello and brushed me off before I could say who was with me.
He was soooooooo rude. But that is what happens. Remember the Women who really did a
wonderful job with Lenny Cooke. She had him going in the right direction until others got
involved. She was the darling of the AAU circuit while Lenny played. Folks kissed her butt
all the time. Once Lenny was done, she became invisible. And she was a nice person!!!
10. If a coach is on the hot seat. Commit and sign in the spring. Stupid NCAA rules will hurt you
if a coach leaves for one reason or another. Ditto if you are interested in a powerful mid-
major school. Coaches are at mid major schools to get promoted to the big-time. Trust me!!
If Kevin Willard wins at Iona for 3 years straight he is leaving. Even guys like Tom Green
at FDU attempt to move up despite being at a particular school for 20 years.
When you next go to a game look for the kid who were stars before you. Check out what they are doing now. Ask them about experience. Maybe it's the reason you should speak to more than basketball people about your recruitment.
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