TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
That's not using 247, that's using some rando ranking pulled from the depths of the internet.
The issue people have with this class is that we were sold a mass exodus based on a lack of Big Ten talent and athleticism, and we've now brought in three players who had, generously, two major conference offers between them, none of whom we were really competing with anyone in particular for their services, all three of whom are totally unranked by 247, and all three of whom are minus athletes at the major conference level.
And we hung onto Matic Vesel, who shares all of those qualities and looked totally out of his depth last year, apparently for no other reason that too many other kids bailed.
It's not an issue with the class per se, it's an issue with whether this roster has actually been upgraded.
Woof. Classic S&C sky-is-falling post. I respect your ability to bum us all out... I mean keep us grounded.
A couple thoughts:
- Ayo and Jones are great pickups, and would be for just about any class we've had in the last 20 years.
- The straight swap of Feliz for Lucas should be a win. Feliz is a better offensive player and will occupy that scholarship for the same two years.
- Kane was a recent reclass that had a fair amount of interest for 2019 (I know Louisville was involved). He's regarded as a good athlete for his size, though not exceptional (great 7' athletes rarely end up anywhere but blue bloods).
- Griffin was one of best HS players in New York last year (POY to some). Being a good HS player doesn't guarantee success at the college level, but his length and shooting ability should translate. He's a nice piece to get this late.
- Giorgi is a gamble. No two ways about it. I think the staff likes his ability to pass out of the pinch-post. Will it work out? No idea, but if it doesn't, I don't think it sinks the direction of this rebuild.
It's about expectations at this point. Obviously Leron was the big loss. But even with Leron next season, what would this squad realistically expect to accomplish? I couldn't see it being more than a bubble team. Given time, this is class fully capable of getting us back to relevancy in the B1G. But it will take time.