Leslee Smith

[Nebrasketballer]

Getting Leslee Smith and Sai Tummala is huge now.  Nebraska needs to get at least 2 of the 3 they were going after. 

Not necessarily.  They are only must gets if they are actually good enough to play and elevate the team.  Miles has already shown that he is going to play the 6 to 8 best players on the team, regardless of position.  If either Sai or Leslee cannot crack the top 8 or 9, then not signing them means almost nothing.  Even if Smith plays a position of need at center, I think Miles has shown that he would rather play a better player and go small than play a bigger player who lacks the skill or strength.  Heck, Miles refused to play Andre almost all of conference play even though he is a relatively skilled big man.  I seriously doubt that Smith is more skilled than Andre.  He may be better athlete, but is that enough to crack the top 8, I don't know.

 

There was an article about a month ago in which Miles was interviewed about recruiting. I tried to find it but I can't even remember what publication it was in.  Anyway, in the article, he talked about his recruiting philosophy and how he did not want to "reach" on any recruits simply because the team may be in need of another player at a certain position.  In fact, he specifically mentioned how many teams will recruit and sign big men late in the spring signing period who are not of the talent level they normally recruit.  (That is why you might see an Oklahoma State offer a guy like Shang Ping in the spring, for example.  My example, not Miles).  Miles said he was determined not to fall into this trap.  He said that in a rebuilding project like NU, you can't waste any scholarships.  Even suggested it would be better to hold on to the scholarship for the next recruiting cycle if necessary.  

 

To be honest, after reading that article, I was surprised to see that he offered Smith, and maybe even Sai.  I am still giving Miles the benefit of the doubt, so I am trusting they see something in these guys, but only time will tell. 

Both Tummala and Smith would play next season if they signed.  One would likely start.

[Norm Peterson]

Hoops, I'm waiting patiently by the phone.  With a brand new copy of "War and Peace" to help me pass the time while waiting for the phone to ring.  

[MandRHusker]

According to Robin's article on HOL last Friday we should hear something today or tomorrow regarding his decision. Hope he commits! We really need a big guy like him.

[aghusker]

Brian Rosenthal ‏@HuskerExtraBR2m

#Nebrasketball had just gained a commitment from Leslee Smith, junior college forward.

[TheKamdyMan]

one down one to go

[aghusker]

Now that the commitment has been made, Leslee Smith was not this staff's first choice, but having personally seen him play in the KJCAA this kid is a good addition to the roster and here's my best case and worse case scenario opinions on why.

 

Worse Case:

Dosen't develop into a key contributor, and fills a scholarship that we can't use for the 2014 class, but he provides a B1G type body and athleticism on our scout team, and gives our main rotation a better look everyday in practice (don't underestimate the impact our red-shirts had on our development this past season, and the success the top programs have due to going against high level talent every day)  

 

Best Case:

Develops into a 4 for this team providing some inside rebounding, and becomes a second shot specialist providing a spark off the bench, filling a big hole in our current roster for 2013 and 2014. 

 

Knowing what Miles has stated about not reaching on talent, this staff thinks that he can contribute, I mean why would they have him fill a scholarship, when you can leave it open for the next recruiting class. Miles has my benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. 

[Huskerpapa]

Thank the good lord.  We needed a big, and he certainly fills the role.  Now, onto the next signee.

[MandRHusker]

Big get! Now let's go get Sai!

[FredsSlacks]

Miles clearly sees something in him. Miles offered him at CSU 3 years ago. Miles still believes in him even after he tore his acl and was basically asked by larry brown to leave SMU.

 

I see his role being similar to Evan Ravenel for ohio state.

[Swan88]

Now that the commitment has been made, Leslee Smith was not this staff's first choice, but having personally seen him play in the KJCAA this kid is a good addition to the roster and here's my best case and worse case scenario opinions on why.

 

Worse Case:

Dosen't develop into a key contributor, and fills a scholarship that we can't use for the 2014 class, but he provides a B1G type body and athleticism on our scout team, and gives our main rotation a better look everyday in practice (don't underestimate the impact our red-shirts had on our development this past season, and the success the top programs have due to going against high level talent every day)  

 

Best Case:

Develops into a 4 for this team providing some inside rebounding, and becomes a second shot specialist providing a spark off the bench, filling a big hole in our current roster for 2013 and 2014. 

 

Knowing what Miles has stated about not reaching on talent, this staff thinks that he can contribute, I mean why would they have him fill a scholarship, when you can leave it open for the next recruiting class. Miles has my benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. 

Agree on nearly all points. However, what is the basis for this statement: "Leslee Smith was not this staff's first choice"? Does that mean Atewe visited first? Or does it mean the staff wanted Atewe over Smith? Any inside information on this?

[bobcat402]

Miles clearly sees something in him. Miles offered him at CSU 3 years ago. Miles still believes in him even after he tore his acl and was basically asked by larry brown to leave SMU.

 

I see his role being similar to Evan Ravenel for ohio state.

i wouldnt mind a ravenel clone one bit..

[Nebrasketballer]

#BOOM

[Norm Peterson]

Congrats to Mr. Smith.  And to the staff for pulling one in.

[Nebrasketballer]

Free Content article from Rivals:

 

http://nebraska.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1490475

[aghusker]

Now that the commitment has been made, Leslee Smith was not this staff's first choice, but having personally seen him play in the KJCAA this kid is a good addition to the roster and here's my best case and worse case scenario opinions on why.

 

Worse Case:

Dosen't develop into a key contributor, and fills a scholarship that we can't use for the 2014 class, but he provides a B1G type body and athleticism on our scout team, and gives our main rotation a better look everyday in practice (don't underestimate the impact our red-shirts had on our development this past season, and the success the top programs have due to going against high level talent every day)  

 

Best Case:

Develops into a 4 for this team providing some inside rebounding, and becomes a second shot specialist providing a spark off the bench, filling a big hole in our current roster for 2013 and 2014. 

 

Knowing what Miles has stated about not reaching on talent, this staff thinks that he can contribute, I mean why would they have him fill a scholarship, when you can leave it open for the next recruiting class. Miles has my benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. 

Agree on nearly all points. However, what is the basis for this statement: "Leslee Smith was not this staff's first choice"? Does that mean Atewe visited first? Or does it mean the staff wanted Atewe over Smith? Any inside information on this?

 

No inside information, but based on when the offer was extended, the official visit took place and when the staff became seriously interested, you can assume he was on the B-list of prospects compared to the other 4s on the board Agau, Brown, and even Atewe

[hskr4life]

Like the sound of Tai wanting to "set up a visit"

[49r]

you mean Sai, hskr4life?

[hhcmatt]

you mean Sai, hskr4life?

 

Looking forward to the official cocktail of the Husker to be the "Sai Tai" for the next couple of years.

[hskr4life]

you mean Sai, hskr4life?

 

Yep... Sai to take the visit, and Tai to take move in visit.

[The Polish Rifle]

Heres some film on Smith, dont know it has been posted on here yet.

Game vs. Hutch

I personally only watched 10 minutes, hoping someone else here would go through it to be honest.

[Norm Peterson]

Brian Rosenthal ‏@HuskerExtraBR2m

#Nebrasketball had just gained a commitment from Leslee Smith, junior college forward.

So, now it's official! 

[lang]

Free Content article from Rivals:

 

http://nebraska.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1490475

"The atmosphere is lovely" speaking of his time in Lincoln with the team etc.   I like that quote.   He might as well have been referring to the flowers outside of the Hendricks Training Complex.....I kid, I kid.

 

In all seriousness, he seems like a thoughful young man and I'm glad we have him.  Not b/c he's thoughtfull but b/c he big and strong mostly.   Sound like he just needs to get that motor running high.

[Silverbacked1]

Speaks the Queens English.

 

So I will then say "You are spot on about Lincoln having a lovely atmosphere."

 

"Nicely done Leslee."

[Silverbacked1]

This doesn't hurt either.

 

However, there's a chance he might take a bit of a break in July if he ends up playing for the Virgin Islands national team in an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tournament in the Caribbean in July. If he does play, Smith said he would be back in Lincoln in plenty of time for the start of the fall semester.

 

More playing time against older guys.

[lang]

Didn't the formerly recruited Mathew say something about his in home visit last week reguarding the NU coaches honesty with him?  It sounded like he really took note of that.   I don't necessarily want to assume too much, but maybe that factored in... ie he wasn't reallly promised much and didn't accept the challenge.

 

We would have to assume Leslee received the same talk and accepted that challenge.   I'm thinking Miles is serious when he talks of his expections and does't want "needy" players.