Based on the videos I've seen of Mayan Kiir (a limited resource no doubt), I don't know how well he translates to what BU wants. He would be a one position player in an offense where BU really wants guys who can play all 5 to create mismatches. He projects most similarly to Leron, but Leron can at least hit an elbow j. Just because Mayan had interest before, does NOT mean BU should reciprocate.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (March 2017)
- Status
Based on the videos I've seen of Mayan Kiir (a limited resource no doubt), I don't know how well he translates to what BU wants. He would be a one position player in an offense where BU really wants guys who can play all 5 to create mismatches. He projects most similarly to Leron, but Leron can at least hit an elbow j. Just because Mayan had interest before, does NOT mean BU should reciprocate.
Was Jamal Walker involved in Kiir's recruitment?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
BirdDog9048
The Chief Lives
- Chicago, IL
I believe it was a Dustin Ford-led recruitment, but I could be mistaken.
Good to hear. This should be an exciting time for our program, as we've hired a guy who's the real deal. As a fan, I'm pretty comfortable with where this transition is heading.
When I heard we were recruiting another guard, I wasn't thrilled with the idea. But actually learning about Smith, with his size and strength, it should give us some interesting small ball line-ups where we have a mix of guards on the floor at one time. Still concerned about being thin at Center, but that describes a lot of teams, and hopefully we can address that with our last schollie. I'm just looking forward to having a coach who inspires guys to become leaders out on the floor. BU has that kind of intensity and ability.
MrOizo
- Chicago
Thanks for sharing the photo!
I like that all three guards in next year's class seem to be adept at driving and drawing contact/fouls. Add Mark Smith and that's yet another that can do it. I don't know which of these guys will be able to drive effectively at the next level, but at least they are all as likely to drive vs. shoot 3s. I feel like we had fewer drive-oriented guards for a long stretch...
MrOizo
- Chicago
Mayan Kiir!!! Ask out of that LOI, my friend!
MrOizo
- Chicago
Kiir seemed to really enjoy the attention from Illinois fans, too. I think we had a Trent Frazier type effect on him. I could be wrong. He visited and enjoyed it, he probably has a comfort level at Illinois. Now, he might have more comfort at VCU obviously but if not we should be up there.
Pickett is definitely not a better 3 point shooter, but does have similar athleticism. Hill was the better HS player.
MrOizo
- Chicago
That's what I understood. Pickett needs to get 15,000 made 3 pointers this offseason. He's gonna need to shoot those at a solid clip in BU's offense.
The Pontiff
- Chicago, IL
Spot on, DBell! Good post.
sdfidaho
- Boise, Idaho
Hill is not that athletic. Is that what you're saying about Pickett?
MrOizo
- Chicago
Top 100 4 star that plays above the rim and dunks everything. BU can figure out how to use him even if his shot needs work. I like that he tends to take off dribbling from the video. If his man sags off of him, he will have room to find open cutters. We can then adjust the offense to quickly put him in the lane for post ups and to steak towards the hoop.
I could see it working for sure.
I think it is more so of what he could do for us on the defensive side. Athletic big that can pressure on the 3/4 court press better than most bigs. And his athleticism would be wanted on the rim protection side of things.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The Pontiff
- Chicago, IL
A one player sample does not make a trend. Like with Kentucky, one can point to a Ulis to counter a Charles Matthews. Or with Simeon, one can point to Nunn (just looking at on court performance) as a success story from Simeon versus DJW, though even DJW still has a chance to be a success story under BU.
But I do get Title's point which I think is that the most recent example can be the most compelling data point that needs to be overcome, since it is so fresh. And if Illinois was still being coached by Groce, then I'd agree he'd need to address it. But with BU in charge now, it should be a fresh slate and he shouldn't be held accountable for the perceived sins of his predecessor.
If you consider averaging 24 mpg as a true freshman on an absolutely loaded Kentucky team, considered by many as the deepest college team in years, barely receiving PT, then I guess you may have a point.
No.
Ah, of course. Brain fart.
Pickett is not a great natural athlete. Not bad, but Malcolm is a fair comparison: average to slightly below average for a P5 wing. That's just in a run-jump sense, though: Pickett has good coordination, reaction time, etc. Important athletic traits; he's just not going to wow you with blazing speed and highlight reel dunks.
He's a so-so 3-point shooter, but not a poor one. Should be able to shoot 30-35 percent, provided he adjusts to the speed of the college game.
Look, there's a reason that Pickett is ranked in the 200-250 range: he's a skinny wing with limited athleticism who's not known as an outside shooter. There are also reasons to be very excited about him: 1) he's got a nice frame and has really matured physically over the last 12 months, 2) his shooting form looks decent and he's improved a lot as a shooter, 3) while still not a dynamic athlete, he's improved a lot in that domain as well, 4) regardless of limitations, he's got unbelievable scoring instincts - like Malcolm, he's just a bucket-getter, and 5) most importantly, he's a very high-motor player. He's got a Chet Frazier level motor.
The arrow is pointing up for Javon. A year ago, he was a great high school player without projectable attributes. He's gotten taller, added muscle, improved his shooting, improved his athleticism, and continued to play with energy and tenacity. He should be a contributor as an upperclassman.
I hope to see him really work on his frame and explosiveness with Fletch or whoever we bring in if Fletch doesn't stay. But I think with a good motor he will thrive in Underwood's system because he makes good passes, he can get to the rim, and he is an underrated offensive rebounder (granted I don't have a huge sample size). Nonetheless, can't wait to get him in O&B.
Deleted member 14522
D
Guest
Pickett is much more athletic than Hill was at Belleville East as a senior. I have seen Pickett throw down some very nice dunks this year in transition. He is very good at scoring in transition. He is a very good rebounder. He is very quick on the second jump. His shot is okay, not great. The thing that I am most concerned with is his ball handling. He really had to do it all for Belleville East this year. I am more excited now that he will be playing in Underwood's system. I wasn't sure how he would fit into Groce's offense. I think he is the wild card of our current incoming class. I did get to meet his parents at the Edwardsville Belleville West game, they were very nice and seemed like quality people. So I am rooting for him even more now.
We need guys who can do it on both ends. We played 4 on 5 with Tate for years and people hated Tate for it. No offense works, even one as great as BU's, with one guy that doesn't need to be guarded.
Deleted member 10676
D
Guest
Marshall Scott @Marshall_Once 24m24 minutes ago
Marshall Scott Retweeted BIGTIME
Not the best sign for #okstate. Four-star point guard Amauri Hardy reopens recruiting.
Marshall Scott Retweeted BIGTIME
Not the best sign for #okstate. Four-star point guard Amauri Hardy reopens recruiting.
But, but....I thought Evans was the best recruiter ever and can mend all relationships?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Deleted member 10676
D
Guest
Dawson is the guy we might be interested in, but not a good look when recruits wait to see who the new coach is, you hire one of your assistants and then one decommits. Curious to see what Dawson and Glover do.
Actually, you hire 2 of your assistants.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Dawson confirmed his commitment. Saw it somewhere on social media, a picture with him, Boynton and Evans.
Edit: link: http://newsok.com/article/5543320
- Status