Big Ten Basketball Recruiting

[Creighton Fan]

Let's not forget TM has already recruited 1-3 NBA prospects who are currently in our lineup. I have no problem with him trying to remain at a very high standard.

Man, I think it might be a big stretch to say we got 3 nba cats. I see maybe one.

Recruitin high level kids ia gonna continue ta suffer til Miles sends cats to the nba. All top kids think they good enough to play in da league and want a coach that gets kids there.

Miles ia good x and o coach and good bench coach. SO FAR, he hasnt proven to be a better recruiter than the last two coaches here. that may change, but results so far be the same.

[The Coach]

Connie Yori has been pulling in top recruits from all over the nation for a while now, despite the women's program not having any more tradition than the men's.  I guess the difference is that she has also had a decent amount of in-state talent as well during her time here.  But she has brought in a lot of great recruits from the West Coast it seems.

 

I don't expect us to out-recruit the big-name programs.  But we need to start out-recruiting the programs like Iowa, Minnesota, and Penn State.  So far, Miles hasn't done that, even though these programs also have newer coaches and very little recent success.

[HB]

 

Let's not forget TM has already recruited 1-3 NBA prospects who are currently in our lineup. I have no problem with him trying to remain at a very high standard.

Man, I think it might be a big stretch to say we got 3 nba cats. I see maybe one.

Recruitin high level kids ia gonna continue ta suffer til Miles sends cats to the nba. All top kids think they good enough to play in da league and want a coach that gets kids there.

Miles ia good x and o coach and good bench coach. SO FAR, he hasnt proven to be a better recruiter than the last two coaches here. that may change, but results so far be the same.

 

Couldn't disagree more with the recruiting part of the last paragraph.  While recruiting under Miles so far has proven to remain a difficult task, he has definitely recruited better than his two predecessors.    No comparison.  More quality at the top with guys like Petteway and Pitchford.  And  way fewer absolute reaches, ridiculous projects and total busts at the bottom.

[huskerbaseball13]

 

Let's not forget TM has already recruited 1-3 NBA prospects who are currently in our lineup. I have no problem with him trying to remain at a very high standard.

Man, I think it might be a big stretch to say we got 3 nba cats. I see maybe one.

Recruitin high level kids ia gonna continue ta suffer til Miles sends cats to the nba. All top kids think they good enough to play in da league and want a coach that gets kids there.

Miles ia good x and o coach and good bench coach. SO FAR, he hasnt proven to be a better recruiter than the last two coaches here. that may change, but results so far be the same.

 

 

Then how exactly did he take this program to a NCAA berth in year 2? How many Petteways did Doc and Collier sign?

[HB]

Connie Yori has been pulling in top recruits from all over the nation for a while now, despite the women's program not having any more tradition than the men's.  I guess the difference is that she has also had a decent amount of in-state talent as well during her time here.  But she has brought in a lot of great recruits from the West Coast it seems.

 

I don't expect us to out-recruit the big-name programs.  But we need to start out-recruiting the programs like Iowa, Minnesota, and Penn State.  So far, Miles hasn't done that, even though these programs also have newer coaches and very little recent success.

 

Not sure where you're coming from in saying the women's program doesn't have any more tradition than the men's team.  The women got their first NCAA tournament win in the 1980s.  They won a conference title in '88.  Got another NCAA tournament win in the 90s.  Obviously, the last 8 years the contrast has been dramatic, with 2 sweet 16s, a Big 12 title, a Big 10 tournament title, multiple NCAA tournament wins. 

 

You are correct, albeit understated, in noting the amount of in-state talent in the last 10-15 years in Nebraska high school girls basketball.  It has been beyond "decent", it has been ridiculous in comparison to boys in producing upper D-1 talent.  That was the basis for Yori upgrading the program.  We weren't getting big-time national recruits until very recently, primarily the current freshmen class.  We did it with under the radar national recruits like Griffin (lightly recruited until the very end due to being from Alaska), Danielle Page (a project, not offered by her home state of Colorado) and even Theriot, who wasn't offered by Ohio State.  Even Lindsay Moore wasn't recruited by the big-time programs. 

Yori recruits to a system, the staff has done well with player identification and development (also a strength, imo, with Miles), and has had the benefit of having numerous difference makers within a couple hundred miles of Lincoln.  But if the perception is that we have been signing a bunch of 4 and 5 stars for an extended period of time, and beating the traditional powers head to head, that is not accurate.

[NeHoops]

 

Connie Yori has been pulling in top recruits from all over the nation for a while now, despite the women's program not having any more tradition than the men's.  I guess the difference is that she has also had a decent amount of in-state talent as well during her time here.  But she has brought in a lot of great recruits from the West Coast it seems.

 

I don't expect us to out-recruit the big-name programs.  But we need to start out-recruiting the programs like Iowa, Minnesota, and Penn State.  So far, Miles hasn't done that, even though these programs also have newer coaches and very little recent success.

 

Not sure where you're coming from in saying the women's program doesn't have any more tradition than the men's team.  The women got their first NCAA tournament win in the 1980s.  They won a conference title in '88.  Got another NCAA tournament win in the 90s.  Obviously, the last 8 years the contrast has been dramatic, with 2 sweet 16s, a Big 12 title, a Big 10 tournament title, multiple NCAA tournament wins. 

 

You are correct, albeit understated, in noting the amount of in-state talent in the last 10-15 years in Nebraska high school girls basketball.  It has been beyond "decent", it has been ridiculous in comparison to boys in producing upper D-1 talent.  That was the basis for Yori upgrading the program.  We weren't getting big-time national recruits until very recently, primarily the current freshmen class.  We did it with under the radar national recruits like Griffin (lightly recruited until the very end due to being from Alaska), Danielle Page (a project, not offered by her home state of Colorado) and even Theriot, who wasn't offered by Ohio State.  Even Lindsay Moore wasn't recruited by the big-time programs.  Yori recruits to a system, the staff has done well with player identification and development (also a strength, imo, with Miles), and has had the benefit of having difference makers within a couple hundred miles of Lincoln.  But if the perception is that we have been signing a bunch of 4 and 5 stars for an extended period of time, and beating the traditional powers head to head, that is not accurate.

 

Excellent post HB. You are spot on in all your points. In particular where you mention that Yori and Miles recruit to a system. Miles has stated several times that the chemistry is also vital. So it's not just about talent that fits his system but a work ethic and mind set that will mesh well with the team. All we have to do is look back at what this team was able to accomplish once they all bought into his system and Deverell Biggs was booted. Same team, dramatic results. That's why while just as disappointed as everyone else that we have missed out so far on some commitments we were hoping for, I'm encouraged that Miles is being very selective in who he offers.

[Creighton Fan]

Let's not forget TM has already recruited 1-3 NBA prospects who are currently in our lineup. I have no problem with him trying to remain at a very high standard.

Man, I think it might be a big stretch to say we got 3 nba cats. I see maybe one.

Recruitin high level kids ia gonna continue ta suffer til Miles sends cats to the nba. All top kids think they good enough to play in da league and want a coach that gets kids there.

Miles ia good x and o coach and good bench coach. SO FAR, he hasnt proven to be a better recruiter than the last two coaches here. that may change, but results so far be the same.

Couldn't disagree more with the recruiting part of the last paragraph. While recruiting under Miles so far has proven to remain a difficult task, he has definitely recruited better than his two predecessors. No comparison. More quality at the top with guys like Petteway and Pitchford. And way fewer absolute reaches, ridiculous projects and total busts at the bottom.

Fair enough. I shoulda said HIGH SCHOOL recruiting. Miles done good with transfers but it gonna be hard to find a Petteway to transfer in on a regular basis.

[HB]

Let's not forget TM has already recruited 1-3 NBA prospects who are currently in our lineup. I have no problem with him trying to remain at a very high standard.

Man, I think it might be a big stretch to say we got 3 nba cats. I see maybe one.

Recruitin high level kids ia gonna continue ta suffer til Miles sends cats to the nba. All top kids think they good enough to play in da league and want a coach that gets kids there.

Miles ia good x and o coach and good bench coach. SO FAR, he hasnt proven to be a better recruiter than the last two coaches here. that may change, but results so far be the same.

Couldn't disagree more with the recruiting part of the last paragraph. While recruiting under Miles so far has proven to remain a difficult task, he has definitely recruited better than his two predecessors. No comparison. More quality at the top with guys like Petteway and Pitchford. And way fewer absolute reaches, ridiculous projects and total busts at the bottom.

Fair enough. I shoulda said HIGH SCHOOL recruiting. Miles done good with transfers but it gonna be hard to find a Petteway to transfer in on a regular basis.

Yes, high school recruiting has been difficult, and it is probably too early to tell if Miles has better high school recruiting than his two predecessors--but I will be surprised if Fuller, Hawkins (will have to follow from afar), Tai, Tarin, and Hammonds, plus anyone signed this fall don't turn out to be an upgrade from what Barry and Doc were signing; plus it seems clear already that Miles isn't bringing in the number of total stiffs that his predecessors did.

[Fullbacksympathy]

Note:  I said 1-3.. Petteway isn't a reach at all.  He is an NBA prospect.  I think Pitchford has the ability to be a Channing Frye type NBA player with two more years to develop.  Shields is the only stretch, but the kid is awfully skilled for 6'7" and still has time.

 

That said, there isn't a real weakness on our current roster, and we beat a lot of big names last year.  I think the burden of doubt is on the pessimist side, without question.  

 

As for HS kids, we'll see.  I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the current underclassmen next season.  However, I would have absolutely no problem with us becoming the next Iowa State when it comes to transfers.  I'd take KU's backup guard over just about any HS guard in the country.  There are only so many players that can crack the rotation at a major program.   

[meerkat68901]

Note:  I said 1-3.. Petteway isn't a reach at all.  He is an NBA prospect.  I think Pitchford has the ability to be a Channing Frye type NBA player with two more years to develop.  Shields is the only stretch, but the kid is awfully skilled for 6'7" and still has time.

 

That said, there isn't a real weakness on our current roster, and we beat a lot of big names last year.  I think the burden of doubt is on the pessimist side, without question.  

 

As for HS kids, we'll see.  I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the current underclassmen next season.  However, I would have absolutely no problem with us becoming the next Iowa State when it comes to transfers.  I'd take KU's backup guard over just about any HS guard in the country.  There are only so many players that can crack the rotation at a major program.   

While I agree with most of your post, I have to disagree here.  No weakness on our current roster?  How about post play/interior defense?  Especially with Leslee out now.  Abraham will help some, but he didn't exactly tear it up at Georgetown.  We will basically be in the same boat as we were last year regarding post defense (Abraham maybe a little better than Smith?), and you can't tell me that didn't hurt us against Baylor.

[The Coach]

Point guard is also a major weakness on our roster (or it was last year anyway).  We were 342nd out of 351 teams in assists per game last year.

[ajb5856]

Point guard is also a major weakness on our roster (or it was last year anyway). We were 342nd out of 351 teams in assists per game last year.

That's not good, no arguing that. But, that statistic in part is due to the design of Miles' offense. Not saying it shouldn't be better though...

[nebrasketball10]

Note: I said 1-3.. Petteway isn't a reach at all. He is an NBA prospect. I think Pitchford has the ability to be a Channing Frye type NBA player with two more years to develop. Shields is the only stretch, but the kid is awfully skilled for 6'7" and still has time.

That said, there isn't a real weakness on our current roster, and we beat a lot of big names last year. I think the burden of doubt is on the pessimist side, without question.

As for HS kids, we'll see. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the current underclassmen next season. However, I would have absolutely no problem with us becoming the next Iowa State when it comes to transfers. I'd take KU's backup guard over just about any HS guard in the country. There are only so many players that can crack the rotation at a major program.

Shields is the only stretch?? Walt isn't? Frye was a top 100 recruit that started as a freshman for a major program and - I believe - received all conference recognition every year before becoming a lottery pick. That's not a stretch?

I certainly think Walt will continue to develop, but thinking he has the potential to be a top 10 NBA selection (or ANY selection at this point) is a major stretch.

Also, did we get a backup KU guard??

[Fullbacksympathy]

 

Note:  I said 1-3.. Petteway isn't a reach at all.  He is an NBA prospect.  I think Pitchford has the ability to be a Channing Frye type NBA player with two more years to develop.  Shields is the only stretch, but the kid is awfully skilled for 6'7" and still has time.

 

That said, there isn't a real weakness on our current roster, and we beat a lot of big names last year.  I think the burden of doubt is on the pessimist side, without question.  

 

As for HS kids, we'll see.  I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the current underclassmen next season.  However, I would have absolutely no problem with us becoming the next Iowa State when it comes to transfers.  I'd take KU's backup guard over just about any HS guard in the country.  There are only so many players that can crack the rotation at a major program.   

While I agree with most of your post, I have to disagree here.  No weakness on our current roster?  How about post play/interior defense?  Especially with Leslee out now.  Abraham will help some, but he didn't exactly tear it up at Georgetown.  We will basically be in the same boat as we were last year regarding post defense (Abraham maybe a little better than Smith?), and you can't tell me that didn't hurt us against Baylor.

 

 

Walt got to the point of a solid interior defender by the end of the year.  He was terrible at the beginning.  I think Abraham will be serviceable, but I see your point.  Besides Baylor who had two NBA front court first rounders, I don't remember us getting killed in the paint down the stretch when we were winning.  Rivers is also a good defender at the 4, though undersized.  

[Fullbacksympathy]

 

Note: I said 1-3.. Petteway isn't a reach at all. He is an NBA prospect. I think Pitchford has the ability to be a Channing Frye type NBA player with two more years to develop. Shields is the only stretch, but the kid is awfully skilled for 6'7" and still has time.

That said, there isn't a real weakness on our current roster, and we beat a lot of big names last year. I think the burden of doubt is on the pessimist side, without question.

As for HS kids, we'll see. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the current underclassmen next season. However, I would have absolutely no problem with us becoming the next Iowa State when it comes to transfers. I'd take KU's backup guard over just about any HS guard in the country. There are only so many players that can crack the rotation at a major program.

Shields is the only stretch?? Walt isn't? Frye was a top 100 recruit that started as a freshman for a major program and - I believe - received all conference recognition every year before becoming a lottery pick. That's not a stretch?

I certainly think Walt will continue to develop, but thinking he has the potential to be a top 10 NBA selection (or ANY selection at this point) is a major stretch.

Also, did we get a backup KU guard??

 

 

I didn't say Pitchford would be as good as Frye, but play the same style.  I'm not sure how anyone who sees his shooting ability and skill/athleticism at his size wouldn't assume an NBA prospect after 2 more years at the college level.  I believe it's up to him.  I didn't say top 10.  Petteway isn't even top 10.

 

We don't have a backup KU guard yet, but I agree with the philosophy to try and land one over most HS projects.  It seemed to work last season, and definitely has been working for Hoiberg.  I think the hysteria some proclaim for Miles' recruiting is nuts based on the evidence he's already put forth--that's my main point.

[bball23]

Whats exciting to me for guys like Walt and Petteway is that last year was basically their first full season of quality minutes as College Athletes.  If Walt and Petteway continue to get better.....thats exciting news for NU fans.  I think people forget that Walt and Terran were only soph's last year and basically freshman playing time wise.