I wonder if the poor shooting mechanics is a result of the "AAU effect". Kids play a lot of basketball, but how much time do they spend on fundamentals? Before I watched Shannon's tape, I was expecting much worse in the way of form. It is similar to Ayo's in terms of release point. He does create backspin, so I'd think there is hope on improvement. I guess the great athletes are allowed to get away with poor skills. But, that will eventually come into play as they move up the competition ladder.
That comes from kids shooting 3's at a real early age and having to "shotput" it up there due to lack of strength. You are right, hopefully the Illini shot doctors can correct that low and slow release, because that will not work in HM competition.
Somehow I hadn't watched a good tape of TSJ until now. If for no other reason I want this kid because he yells when he dunks. Can't think of anyone we've had since Augustine that did that. Also LOL @1:29.
Jalen Lecque isn’t considering us but I wrote a piece on why national analysts are dropping him in rankings despite the intangibles. Any and all feedback would be appreciated! Looking forward to doing an Illini class recap!
https://medium.com/p/e05c3c9195ed?source=messageShare-37a69766cd1f-1537399833
actually getting one definitely increases our chances of getting another in that group
I really hope Ayo and Shannon are tight, and their MIF connection helps Shannon have a really good weekend, leading the other 2 recruits to have a good time this weekend, leading to 3 verbals which help UI get that national championship 2-3 years down the road.
I really hope Ayo and Shannon are tight, and their MIF connection helps Shannon have a really good weekend, leading the other 2 recruits to have a good time this weekend, leading to 3 verbals which help UI get that national championship 2-3 years down the road.
Good post, but a few clarifications. There are hundreds of AAU team across the US, but what many posters/fans consider AAU (with all the negative connotations) is the top-50 or top-75 showcase shoe sponsored programs. Many of "other" AAU programs focus on development of skills, thus it is important to find the correct program fit.
Once kids get into the recruiting zone (really some sophomores and beyond) and are candidates for Div. I scholarship, they have to play for one of the showcase programs. Given current recruiting dynamics, it is difficult for coaches to attend ALL AAU events, so they prefer the high end showcase events where they can see multiple (high) ranked players at the same time. Unfortunately, this is something that is difficult to change.
Some highly ranked players do focus on development of their skills, often working out with a skills coach, or even practicing regularly with "other" AAU teams in parallel to playing for a showcase AAU team. But quite a few do fall into the trap that you mention of just playing on showcase AAU teams that, by default, spend less time on skills development. They do some development, but the focus of those programs is to assemble competitive teams that can participate on the higher end tournaments (e.g., Peach Jam, etc.) often with players from multiple states/locations who rarely practice together.
Full disclosure--Legally I don't know. And I guess with the NCAA speculation about what makes sense and doesn't should be thrown out the window but...Serious question: Is this allowed under recruiting rules?
Plus he’s almost certainly getting to West Virginia considering they’ve been on him the longest.
Serious question: Is this allowed under recruiting rules?
Full disclosure--Legally I don't know. And I guess with the NCAA speculation about what makes sense and doesn't should be thrown out the window but...
Why not? Are kids not supposed to want good players on their teams? All Ayo was asking for was showing love to those guys, whatever you wanna interpret that as.
I don't think players talking about recruits is against any rules. I can't imagine it is. How do 300+ teams deal with 10+ kids each not saying a word about recruits on twitter.
Heck, I'd even say if Ayo wanted to buy them all lunch it would be in accordance. Why should the NCAA dictate what a player says or does with a recruit, as long as it's kosher. Maybe that caveat is why those things aren't legal (again, I'm just speculating), but it seems too authoritarian, even for the NCAA.
Right, but I thought the names of unsigned recruits weren't allowed to be mentioned by the teams publicly.
FIFYShannon is all but done imo. EJ is one we have to hope for. He will help with others we are after.
Right, but I thought the names of unsigned recruits weren't allowed to be mentioned by the teams publicly. I mean, there are all sorts of esoteric rules like that and I won't even pretend to understand them.
Serious question: Is this allowed under recruiting rules?
Interesting question, a tough one. Social media NCAA rules are wishy-washy on the subject but I found the following document from Stanford regarding NCAA violations on social media.
https://stanford_ftp.sidearmsports.com/Compliance/SocialMediaTipsheet.pdf
According to this document, it may be a minor violation but not explicitly.
- A current student-athlete may communicate with prospects via social media as long as the communication is not at the direction of a coach/staff member and is not related to the prospect’s recruitment."
- We cannot communicate publicly with any prospects or their relatives (e.g., posts to prospect’s Twitter page or Facebook wall, Facebook “Likes”, Twitter “Favorites”, public chat rooms, re-tweeting a prospect’s tweet, or posting any other message to a prospect that is accessible to other users).
1:29 is pretty good. The Illini have needed some players with a chip on their shoulder for a few years now...hope we see some more swag and cockiness on the court this year. One of the UI recruit highlight videos had me pretty excited this past year, but can't remember the player. Does Higgs beat down his dunks like the rim owes him money?
Does the Mac Irvin Fire coaching staff teach that shoot-from-the-middle-of-your-chest style? Seems like there are some similarities between Ayo and TSJ's shots, and neither form looks great. (Granted, I haven't seen Ayo shoot since the Wizards in Champaign have been able to work with him. I'm sure it's pure and high now.)