Two 2011 Basketball Targets Off the Board, Tobias Harris Announces Decision Date

by Ben Broman on Oct 22, 2009 3:58 PM EDT in Basketball Recruiting Comment 14 comments

Miss basketball recruiting? Me too. Unfortunately, this isn't the happiest of returns to a normally happy subject: two 2011 Maryland targets are off the board in one day.

Dezmine Wells, a 6-3 SG from Word of God in NC, is headed to Xavier, while Achraf Yocoubou, a 2-guard from Lutheran (Tobias Harris' old school) in Long Island, pledged to Villanova.

Obviously, neither is good news, but neither is killer. It's good that Nova lost a scholarship spot, as many of Maryland's top targets (Sterling Gibbs, Trevor Cooney) were high on them, and the presence of another SG can't help (Cooney's a pure 2, Gibbs is a combo).

Still, striking off two targets on the same day (at the same position, no less) always hurts, especially when the Terps are so momentum-starved right now in 2011. Michael Gbinije's status is unknown, and he was widely considered Maryland's best shot at landing an elite player early on. It's time to lock up one of Hippo/Pankey, go all-out for Tobias Harris, and move on to 2011.

On Tobias Harris, it looks like he'll be making his decision Nov. 19...if he's made his decision, of course (scroll down on that link).

"On the 19th we will announce if Tobias is ready," said his father, Torrel.

Maryland will be the second to last visit; after visiting the Terps the 13th through the 15th, he'll head over to Georgia Tech for a few days and a make a decision shortly after.

For those of you wondering, that's one day after the fall signing period ends. Looks like whoever lands Tobias will have a non-signed commitment on their hands for quite some time. Not that I'd complain about that, of course.

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Actually

Jerry Meyer is reporting that he will sign on the 18th and make an announcement on the 19th…for whatever that is worth…

hopefully he signs with us but i’m not holding my breath here….we typically don’t land kids like this….but i suppose if he’s visiting we have as good a shot as anyone

a lot of buzz on ashton lately…adding him would be huge…he’s an atheletic, springy 6-8…exactly what we need to compliment our two plodders from the 2009 class

by tiimbitz4786 on Oct 22, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I actually think we have a good chance here. The best thing about T. Harris is that both he and his family appear quite thoughtful. If I were in his shoes, which I most certainly not, I would think being the focus of one of the nation’s best coaches and the pride of a team like Maryland was worth more than being just the next notch in a bedpost for someone like Cal.

The reality is that Gary has a great track record (1) coaching folks with pro-talent (Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox, Steve Francis, etc.) and (2) turning above-average players into pros (Steve Blake, Juan Dixon). Hopefully, with his brother nearby and a great supporting cast already on its way, he will realize that he could really thrive in this environment. Besides, Gary’s flex offense would be perfect for him to show his versatility.

Mr. Harris, if you are reading this, the Maryland fans want you and will support you! Come be a terp.

by nmprisons on Oct 22, 2009 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"Mr. Harris, if you are reading this, the Maryland fans want you and will support you! Come be a terp."

I second this sentiment wholeheartedly.

by JC1 on Oct 22, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On that front

We still gotta figure out something to do for his visit. I feel like we should try to get more than “Fear the Tobias” signs, if possible. Damn rock.

by Ben Broman on Oct 22, 2009 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The thing to remember is that he is going to be on campus for a number of days. It would be nice if where ever he went he felt welcomed.

This may be going to far, but I wonder if there is some way to make a “future” exhibit in the HoF at Cole . . . Imagine if he walked through and saw himself near the great players in Maryland history and recognized that he could be among them if he worked hard enough.

by nmprisons on Oct 22, 2009 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like how your thinking...

…but we couldn’t do anything that official. With recruiting the way it is right now, I don’t think we can afford to do anything that could possibly be connected with the athletic department.

by kckb8 on Oct 22, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am sure you are right . . . probably end up getting picked up for trespass in the interim!

Perhaps something more simple is in order. I assume, if he is going to be on campus that Friday, he will be at the game. I wonder if fans couldn’t do something there.

by nmprisons on Oct 22, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about we make some shirts?

Red shirts in the MD uniform style with “T. Harris” on the back, Maryland on the front, and his number on both sides.

by kckb8 on Oct 22, 2009 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be a great idea. I would buy one.

by nmprisons on Oct 22, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely like the t-shirt idea

by Ben Broman on Oct 22, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FWIW

If we went this route, would it be something along these lines?

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product.aspx?clear=true&number=%20413288097

by Ben Broman on Oct 22, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, bbroman.

are we on the same page, or what? (see fanpost) although you do have the cheaper and better-looking option, i must say. maybe we can get a special deal if we call in and order in bulk?

by kckb8 on Oct 22, 2009 11:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think we'll have enough people who want one to actually order in bulk & save $

but I think we can get it down to ~$15 per shirt if we go w/ a lesser shirt. Let’s gauge interest first; if we don’t have a lot of people interested in wearing them, it’s not going to be that effective.

I’ll try to clean up the design tomorrow, though.

by Ben Broman on Oct 22, 2009 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tobias Harris coming to town celebration

He will be on campus 4 the VT game abd the students should have sign in the stands showing him a welcome and there should be welcome signs when he enters the campus. Need to be proactive. This guy is the missing link and the real thing.

by jack ss on Oct 30, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs