Matt Abdelmassih on Nick Bahe Podcast, Summary

[basketballjones]

 

*Says Hoiberg's biggest strength, over his Xs and Os, recruiting, etc... is that he can make any player feel like they're a god and over perform their natural capabilities. 

 

*Abdelmassih also tested positive for COVID in January, still not 100%, still doesn't have taste or smell. (sure he hope he gets some help here soon?)

*Not trying to make excuses, but COVID was the worst thing that could have happened to this team. He feels he puts so much time into creating relationships with these kids, that when he couldn't meet with them in the offices, or hang out with them, he felt he wasn't doing his job and what he promises kids/parents. Only practiced 60% of the time they usually practice. 

 

*Says we played some of the best basketball in the conference in our last 7 game stretch. Looked like what it was supposed to look like. High assist numbers, etc...

*Guys can feel it... Kobe Webster had no intentions of coming back, but said after the year he could feel we were so close and loves the vibe of the team. 

*Said Lat Mayen needs to have the best off-season. He's a big who is versatile and unlike many other players in the nation. (I would kinda disagree, feel like LM is who he is, and the shots just need to go in. Delano Banton is who I would say needs to have a great one, if we want to be really good and he actually wants to play).

HALFTIME (Have to go back to pretending to work)

 

[basketballjones]

SECOND HALF

*Take Lat Mayen's initial start away from league play, he shot 41% from 3pt (started 1-15 I believe)? Had to play the 5-position, and that wasn't something he was comfortable with. MA thinks Lat could have an incredible year. 

*Guys we are returning can shoot - close to 39% from 3pt. Guys who left helped our numbers (no idea if this is true or not). 

*Has worked with roster chaos his entire career, totally used to this. But has never had a team that has had this amount of scoring returning. 

 

*In a strange way, taking transfers create stability. More than likely, they're not going to transfer again - especially if they have had to sit out and have maybe already used some sort of one-time, no sit-out waiver. 

*When you recruit transfers, recruiting is a 365 day job. Recruiting transfers is always about information. "Happiness Meter," who's happy and who's not? Must be aware of that. Not talking to kids directly, ever, that is a violation. Do work early and always be talking to AAU and HS coaches - by the time they are in the portal you already know the deal. (I thought this was brilliant)

 

*Must be in the gym to see truly what a player is like. Film lies. Don't get to see body language as much, reactions to stuff. We've done a ton of work early so that the new guys we are bringing in, we have already seen in person. COVID didn't interrupt our process. Has known Bryce McGowens since he was in 8th grade, has seen him play live 50+ times. 

*Wilhelm had incredible options - but he didn't visit those schools. He and his family had way more information on Nebraska because of the work we put in. Firm believer in watching kids in person, can't do it online. 

 

[Swan88]

Fascinating information!  A couple observations:    
1.  Matt “thinks Lat could have an incredible year.”  Nebrasketball history is that Juco players improve substantially in their second season—e.g, Lance Jeter, Dylan Talley and Ade Dagunduro.

2.  “Film lies. Don't get to see body language as much, reactions to stuff.”  Nothing beats in-person evaluations, and Matt puts in the hard work—over time—to do it right.

[basketballjones]

OVERTIME (Newcomer evaluations) coming when I get a chance. 
 

*Bryce McGowens - chip on his should, elite-true NBA style wing. Athleticism is elite. Smooth stroke. Never satisfied. High character. Wants to be the type of player, that when he returns to pinnacle Bank Arena during his NBA career he gets a standing ovation. (Chills)

 

*Japanese Steph Curry - unfair to do the comparison game, but man can he shoot the ball. Has had guys who are really experienced in recruiting say that he is one of the best shooters that he’s ever seen when evaluating. His strongest asset as a player is his toughness. His shooting as a lead but his toughness is what separates him. Athleticism is better than you think and not going to be an issue. Wheeling to get dirty and guard anyone.

 

*My Profile Picture - closest thing he’s recruited to being like Iowa State‘s Georges Niang. He can shoot it but his passing ability is incredible. He is a right handed player, but if you watch him he is highly effective with his left hand. Fits perfectly into Fred’s system. Old school game. Kevin McHale. Midrange game. 
 

*7ft Lithuanian kid - has the talent. Would be top 50 if in US (heard that before). Will have to adjust to physicality (heard that before). Can’t teach 7ft (heard that before). Will take time to develop.

 

*McPherson - old school NYC guard. Don’t want him to guard you. Wont back down from anyone. Will make our starters better. Intangibles guy. Older kid, fell victim to covid recruiting issues. 
 

*CJ Wilcher - Leadership by example skills. Super confident and can score it. Work ethic is ridiculous. Elite shooter with unlimited range, sneaky athleticism with a perfect body for B1G. Chip on his shoulder 

 

*Keon Edwards - Because of COVID the thing to do was panic, so enrolled mid year at DePaul. Enrolled early, then DePaul gets immediately shut down. Leon gets covid after shut down. Absolutely phenomenal talent. Former top 40 player in HS if he stayed in 2021 class. Elite shooter, skillset and stroke are beautiful. Elite character kid that’s about the right stuff. Good ISO guy. 

Edited May 21, 2021 by basketballjones

[49r]

I was pretty pumped up after listening to coach A on that podcast, was even kinda excited for the Knicks, LOL.  I can see why he's such an important recruiter.  Glad we have him.

[basketballjones]

Basically I’m anticipating a national championship after listening to that interview.

[jayschool]

38 minutes ago, basketballjones said:

Basically I’m anticipating a national championship after listening to that interview.

[Fullbacksympathy]

I've said it before... Hoiberg is the steal hire of this decade in college basketball.  I expect our talent level to increase even more in the next recruiting class.  

[kleitus]

19 hours ago, LK1 said:

I've said it before... Hoiberg is the steal hire of this decade in college basketball.  I expect our talent level to increase even more in the next recruiting class.  

That would be ridiculously impressive.

[royalfan]

Cant pay this guy enough.  He seems to close the gap that other schools fill with cash, with his general awesomeness.  

[hhcmatt]

Here is the podcast itself