Maryland Basketball Recruiting Updates: Two(!) Harrison Twin Updates, Plus More
by Ben Broman on Feb 16, 2012 11:13 AM EST
in Basketball Recruiting
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Hey, that's two more than we usually get every day.
First up, there's a piece from IMS featured in Matt Bracken's recruiting blog in the Sun. RTWT - you know you want to anyway - but a quick excerpt:
"The decision is their decision," Harrison Sr. said. "I'm here to support them, but it's their decision. I'm not going to college. If something [bad] happened at whatever school they choose, that will be their situation to deal with. That's part of becoming a man. [But] unless something drastic was to happen, it will be one of [Maryland, Kentucky, Villanova, or Baylor]." [...]
He also said that while his sons are high on Kentucky, there's no truth to speculation that they're UK locks simply because Wildcats coach John Calipari continues to hand-pick the best high school guards. "It's just kind of funny because they go against the grain. They wear Under Armour [rather than Nike]. I've heard they're Maryland locks because they wear Under Armour, too," he said.
Basically already down to four? And one of those four being Villanova? That sounds good. Baylor's done a great job of recruiting and should be respected, but their success is always a little, uh, "eyebrow-raising," let's say. It's tough to know who it works on, and who'll say "A religious school with no basketball history in Middle of Nowhere, TX? No thanks." I'll say what I've always said: if it's anyone other than Maryland or Kentucky, I'll be floored.
He has the requisite kind words for Mark Turgeon - says he's a "no fluff" kind of guy, which is very true - but I don't think you can read too much into it. He also says they want to get up to Maryland again, which is great news, but it doesn't sound like it's close to being done.
Update #2 comes from Five-Star Basketball, which has a whole host of Maryland-related stuff. Again, read it all, but this should be a salivating thought:
"I'm from Maryland, I've known [assistant coach] Bino Ranson for a long time and [head coach] Mark [Turgeon], he's been recruiting them since he has been at Texas A&M," Harrison Sr. added. [...]
"They got some players that fit in so well with Aaron and Andrew, like Jake Layman," Harrison Sr. said. "He fits perfect, long player, plays hard, isn't about stats. He's a long 3 who can catch and shoot."
He added: "You have Aaron, Andrew, Jake and then Shaq. Throw that in with the others pieces they have and you have a real good team."
I'm pretty sure Harrison Sr. just started to play the "fill out the starting five" game that fans do so much. Don't tease me, bro.
Anyway, there isn't much different news than what's in the IMS piece - he again says that it's likely that they'll be going to one of the aforementioned four - but does mention that Shaq Cleare is recruiting them. (Win!) It also cites an unnamed D1 coach who calls the Twins "program-changers," which is obviously pretty true.
The Five Star piece also has quotes from Beejay Anya and Kris Jenkins, two DC-area bigs that have been blowing up. Anya says Maryland is on his list right now, and Jenkins says it'd be nice to stay home even if he isn't married to the idea. Anya, the nation's top center in the 2013 class, is an uphill battle, while it remains to be seen if Jenkins will get an offer, but nice to get some sort of update on both.
Of course, the staff hasn't narrowed down 2013 to just the Harrisons. In addition to going hard after Rysheed Jordan, they also were at a prep tournament last week, scouting Tyler Ennis and Jaren Sina. This is the first we've heard of any potential involvement in Sina, a much more likely prospect than Ennis; he's a true point with a lethal outside shot, and likely a top-75 type at the end of the day. Will be interesting to see if anything comes of that scouting visit.
If you're still hungry for recruiting news ... you're unhealthy. Hopefully this will take some heat off the tiresome DOB-Edsall saga.
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Lol
That team would EASILY contend for a Natty every year they are here.
Not to mention whoever else would be on the team
Stoglin, MVPe’ and Parker as seniors, Len, Faust and Pankey as juniors. Would be insane.
Testudo Times - http://www.testudotimes.com
Stogs
I can see him leaving after this year IMO. Too many issues with Turgeon.
by Terpnation on Feb 16, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
not happening...
and there relationship is fine. The whole incident was blown way out of proportion. Look at Gary and Grevis, they butted heads but have that father/son thing going on.
by Chucktown Terp on Feb 16, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
don't tease me bro
that team would beat the National Championship team
YEAH I SAID IT!
by bloodwatermission on Feb 16, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
that team was JUANderful
So i call Blasphemy.
My thoughts are like London Fletcher on the field: Everywhere. Oh, and Fear the Turtle!
by HailToTheRedskins on Feb 16, 2012 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Dont forget also
That is one tough defensive line-up. We tend to overlook how much praise layman got for his defense, tie that in with the unmatched competitive desire of the twins, shaqs strength and size, and Anya’s incredibly long arms. WOW!
There is a source on twitter
That says Harrison Sr. has committed to MD with 1 year of eligibility.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Feb 16, 2012 11:29 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Money Quotes
“It’s just kind of funny because they go against the grain.
Them coming to MD would be against the grain. Going to UK would be the opposite.
i think it is very cleare
That the dad wants them to go to umd but understands if they go to kentucky. But him saying they go against the grain, is eye poping. going to UMD for the most part has always been going against the grain. We need to start showin more love to them then we did with stefon.
Also I’m real pumped bout ayna, I really feel like we can pull an upset there, we just have to tickle his fancy. Its all bout timing. Let’s keep this sick momentum goin that stefon started.
by MurlandTerps on Feb 16, 2012 11:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Anya
Doesn’t seem like we have a shot at all with BeeJay. The twitter war between Indiana and Kentucky fans about him is mildly amusing, but if I were a betting man (and I am) I’d put the smart money on Syracuse. LOVED the papa Harrison comments though…hope they are serious about valuing character (the anti-Calipari).
I wouldn't pay too much attention to what BeeJay twets
He will retweet anything basically. I’ve sen him retweet Syarcuse, MD, UK, IU, and a couple other schools. I wouldn’t read too much into it.
Just as Stefon gets people interested in MD
The twins are game changers too. Much, much more recruits become interested in MD if they come.
how does that prove anything?
he answered a question. He said that they’re on top of Cals priority list and the twins know that. I don’t think that is just saying what the reporter wants to here, if they weren’t on top of Cals list I’d be surprised.
Dont even pay attention to those "writers"
They’re the same ones that said the twins are 75% locks to go there. Completely biased “journalism”.
Remember, everything is bigger in TX... even Baylor
Just giving my take on Baylor…
Its basically like the clemson or auburn of their respective states (campus/area wise)… not prowess in a particular sport. Except, Waco, which is called middle of nowhere bc its not FortWorth, Dallas or Houston… actually is a big city (125,000 in city, 250,000 in immediate surroundings). Compare that to 15,000 at clemson. So baylor actually isnt very backwoods so to say.
Baylor is private, academically reputable, campus is gorgeous, and RELIGIOUS (how many times to do you hear in recruitment about how a mother or grandmother likes a certain coach or school because of those values… regardless if the kid has bought into them, theyll do that for their mammas)
Baylor the school is quite awesome, but you’re right… them landing top basketball recruits is ridiculous… dirty f-ers
I would, but I seemed to have misplaced my pants... Follow @mtgassr
by NattyBoAndOldBay on Feb 16, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions
further analysis of the twins
Also suggests that MD is a terrible waste of talent due to Turgeons “plodding style.” Smh.
http://mobile.barkingcarnival.com/2012/01/17/thoughts-on-fort-bend-bush-vs-travis/
by fballplyr92 on Feb 16, 2012 12:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Yeah this part is a little concerning:
The knock on the Harrison brothers has been immaturity, wearing their emotions on their sleeve. It’s clearly evident in person. When either player didn’t get a foul call, they bird-dogged the ensuing defensive possession, leaving their teammates exposed. On one non-call, Aaron did a single axel jump with a “WTF” fistpump. Dead ball body language wasn’t much better, and they were also curiously the only two starters not to warm up at halftime with their teammates. It’s worth noting that both Harrisons clearly have “win at all costs” mentality. As for whether those attitude concerns will be an issue in college, it remains to be seen, but I doubt the perception goes away in high school.
Will the Twins see the way Turge put the hammer down on Stogs during the duke game, and be turned off? If it is truly up to the Twins to make the final decision, I’m a little worried that Cal will be able to convince them that he can handle their “unique” competitive attitudes. Oh boy, recruiting is such a damn rollercoaster.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think that bothers me as much...
As our system versus cal’s system and style of offense. Although i do think turgeon’s offenses have been based off of the players he’s had.
As far as the immaturity thing goes I think everyone their age has room for maturity. I still feel they are going to kentucky to shine. Hopefully they are terps.
by nmcvicker03 on Feb 16, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
If they are to come to UMD, they are going to have to face the fact
Terps don’t get many calls from the refs, especially against NC schools. They can’t lose their heads during a game. I re-watched the 02 Natty game recently, and I was amazed at how Dixon and Blake kept their composure after some infuriatingly bad calls in that game. A champ needs to know how to harness that competitive drive, not let it control you. I do understand they are in High School, but bad habits start early.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
I agree but at the same time..
Dixon was a senior and Blake was a Junior. Think of GV, he was not the same as a freshman as he was as a Senior.
You definitely have a point there.
The only thing is, I don’t think we’ll ever see the Harrison’s as juniors or seniors in any college uniform. 2 and done at the most, imo. Hopefully they come here, and Turge and Bino can harness their awesome competitiveness in the first year. I’ll be curious to see how Stogs comes out tonight and reacts to Turge’s move in the duke game. My guess is he’ll have one of his best games ever.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
worrying about refs' calls = LOSE
don’t worry about the small stuff. We just need tough guys who are talented and are going to kick the snot out of the other team’s lungs.
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, I'm biased
But it is true regardless. Kind of how nobody likes people, whether coaches or not, placing blame on others when they need to look within and get some answers/solutions.
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Don't forget...the problem w/ Stogs chucking it in the Duke game
was because we REALLY needed someone to take the point responsibilities and find their teammates…
This.
Kentucky ‘11-’12 AdjT: 66.2 (182nd nationally)
Maryland ‘11-’12 AdjT: 66.8 (143rd nationally)
Not sure how this makes us a “plodding” team, and certainly not when compared to Kentucky.
Turge was slow at aTm, that's a Texas blog so that's probably the assumption they're working off
And we may slow down in future years, but right now Turge is working with Gary’s guys and is rightfully letting them run.
“With no post presence, the Tiger offense is predicated on dribble penetration and hitting open shots”
Umm..SHAQ!
Insight from Barking Carnival (Longhorns SB blog)
Heat check, if nothing else…
“Honestly, the Harrisons look like perfect fits for Kentucky. They run the same offense, and Calipari is a players-friendly coach that also knows how to coax out optimal talent while massaging egos (see: DeMarcus Cousins). I know they have Maryland connections (they’re originally from Maryland and their grandfather still lives there), but playing in Mark Turgeon’s plodding system would be a gross misuse of resources. They appear to have little interest in playing for Texas, so there’s that. The Harrisons have continually expressed Kentucky as their favorite school, and I don’t expect that co change.”
Full article: http://www.barkingcarnival.com/2012/01/17/thoughts-on-fort-bend-bush-vs-travis/
This article holds very little merit
The information given is just regergitated fluff with some personal bias added…not that a Texas blog is pro Kentucky, just that they, like many, don’t expect Cal to lose any recruiting battles. It’s almost like if Texas won’t get them, then it has to be Kentucky. This is also info coming from people who would have routinely routed against Turge as a rival at A&M. Also, correct me if I am wrong, I don’t think the Twins have said once that Kentucky is the leader, just that they are one on the top of their list, let alone consistently saying it. Their maturity has been based off of a few incidents and if you watch high school bball, you will see a lot worse then anything out of the twins.
by Chucktown Terp on Feb 16, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
they never said kentucky was their favorite lol
its laughable.
Wait
What about Burnt Orange Nation? How does Texas get 2 blogs?
Can we have dual citizenship?
You know, so I can jump on and off the bandwagon as necessary?
by Mike S. on Feb 16, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
No just come into the pro side illegally
when CJB, Diggs and Brown are running all over the ACC and #winning. We promise we won’t deport you, haha!!
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
yes...the United States of TerpAsia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBQXdsBqKtg
love live strings w/ rock
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I do like muse.
I’m not kidding when I say this, I look nearly identical to the lead singer. its eerie.I’ve been told by friends, family, strangers on the street. I dig em, like some radiohead as well. Very similar style.
Online Blogs...
While amusing, most of these types of online commentaries are not worth much in the way of predictive value. Pretty much everyone was saying Stefon Diggs was going to Ohio State or Flordia, but lo and behold, he stayed home -going with his heart and supporting his city.
It’s all about fit. Some recruits will sell their soul and play for sleezy teams like Kentucky and Uconn, while others will seek out programs that will do things the honest way. Here’s hoping the Harrison Twins are the latter.
I hear they play basketball.
They’re also related somehow, hence the last names. That’s all I know.
by db0255 on Feb 16, 2012 2:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think they're husband/wife
like Jack and Meg White – lmao
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
No wonder they're "program-changers"
Think they can save the diving and gymnastics teams?
its okay I forgive you
but dont ever do it again!
by word2bigbird on Feb 16, 2012 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
I really hope we get kris jenkins
He is a kid, i feel like gary would have locked up. But I just think of all those undersized PF from michigan state that I have killed us when we play them. I think if we offer a scholly to him, i think we will be at the top of his list. Could you imagine, pullin in the twins, jenkins, meeks or anya…
I think you can let go of Meeks
If he does come to this area, he’s gonna be at G-town
yea you are right
he is much more of a lon shot than anya from what I have heard. Im just getting giddy.
But I do think jenkins would be so money runing the p&r for turge
by MurlandTerps on Feb 16, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
Understandably so
Its been a while since we’ve had so many high level recruits with serious interest in MD.
No
I’d rather get Junior Etou or Rodney Bullock. Hands down.
by word2bigbird on Feb 16, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Great post, Ben
Love your recruiting takes here, figured I’d post some thoughts. Here’s my latest write-up on the Harrisons via A Sea of Blue, referencing the same articles you found. I also took in a repeat viewing of the Harrisons vs Hightower (Danuel House’s team) and posted some thoughts on Barking Carnival.
I’m a Texas alum and Kentucky fan, so yes, I do have some bias regarding the Harrisons.
On Turgeon, I was referencing his teams at Texas A&M, which grew increasingly difficult to watch as Billy Gillispie’s recruits kept graduating. I admittedly haven’t seen much of Maryland this year, and I do note that your tempo is faster than Kentucky’s (I will take our 25 wins over your 14, though!).
I do think that the Harrisons will ultimately pick Kentucky because at the end of the day, it’s all about the business of getting to the NBA (my personal opinion, but I think it’s apt). They would absolutely kill in Calipari’s offense, and he’ll coach them up on defense as well. I think Andrew has #1 overall pick potential—he’s that good—and Cal will get him damn close. That said, I do think Maryland is Kentucky’s primary competition, and it would by no means shock me to see them ultimately pick the Terps. I suspect that their father would be personally happy if they chose Maryland.
As for Baylor, it’s a desolate wasteland derided by Texas and Texas A&M grads alike…but the poster above is right. It only is when compared to Houston, San Antonio, Austin or Dallas (Waco is in between the latter two: about an hour outside Dallas and two outside Austin), and it does have…umm…some charm (as he lists). Dr. Pepper is from Waco, if you dig that. I will say, everyone thinks there’s something rotten in the state of Texas when you look at all the five stars Drew has been snagging.
Honestly don't know about Cal
I never did see him as a lifer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps looking around and realizing how good he has it at Kentucky.
The extreme pessimist in me would say he jumps to the NBA Pete Carroll style when he sees the heat coming down. The Kentucky fan in me says that he’s going to win multiple championships and prevent that from ever happening, Jim Calhoun style.
cal comes to DC
That way he can coach wall while robbing the wizards. Watch, it’ll happen
by fballplyr92 on Feb 16, 2012 5:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
good post
I do think the twins will ultimately pick the Terps, because at the end of the season, Cal will be coaching the Knicks, Jeremy Lin be damned or not…
Wait’ll we all see where Gathers’ brother pops up with a job. It’s coming, just a matter of time. Bro gets involved, and boom…
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Naa Lin just saved Dantoni or however his name is spelled
That being said, I dont see what other jobs wouldnt be of interest to Cal
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing earlier today.
Lin just saved D’Antoni’s job, so now I’m on the Cal-to-Wizards bandwagon. I could stomach him in town for a few seasons if it meant the Twins would be defacto terps!
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Cal to Miami if they dont win it this year
And Miami wont win it b/c the Lin Dynasty is about to be formed.
GOD I love that little asian dude so much.
by word2bigbird on Feb 16, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
zzzZING!!!
Poor Whitlock. But, yeah I’m feelin ya on the Cal to Miami angle. That team is full of douchebags, one more could put them over the top.
Shao-LIN!!! for the win.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
You mean that guy
who dishes out a couple extra hundred pounds of pain out? lmao
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
You should also include the 5star article
I bet that would severly impact the results of your poll. I went onto seaofblue to check out what Kentucky fans were thinking.
I dont see Papa Harrison mentioning about about Kentuckys class, probably because no one knows from one year to the next who will even be on the team. No knocking Kentucky at all by that statement, I actually like Kentucky and their teams and Cal for that matter.
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
You like Cal?
How much did you get for your soul, at least a couple hundred buck$ I hope?
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
I like his teams
Loved Camby in college. Rose, Wall, & Evans have been some of my favorite players recently to watch.
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
I like Camby too...
Because Joe Smith pwned him and Umass in the 94 Tourney.
I think you’re suffering from Stockholm Syndrome with Cal, though. lol
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Mario Lucas
was raining threes that game
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
Now I dont like you...jk...sort....lol....im confused
And I really dont like Evans. Hes a punk who disrespected the Terps before and after we played Memphis.
by word2bigbird on Feb 16, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
I have to agree...
The guy produce nothing but NBA talent especially at the guard position. I wouldn’t be upset to see the Harrisons go to UK, because in reality it is a great decision. Coming to Maryland is against the grain though and you still don’t have a clear idea of how things are going to work out. If anything we should be thankful to have Cal at UK. Without him we are probably playing the Walls, Roses, and Cousins 2-3 times a year in the ACC.
I'm with Charlotte
UK is now just a factory producing ballers that are fun to watch. Now, if the Harrison twins go there over here than my opinion might change.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, take it easy on Baylor, my mom's an alum.
Yeah, it’s no Austin, but it’s a great school in a nice small city. I think College Station is much more of a desolate wasteland, imo, despite it’s beautiful campus. As far a Baylor, of course traditional powers like UT will think something smells fishy when lesser-power starts making big moves. I can already hear what UK, Duke and UNC fans are going to say about UMD when we pull the twins(notice I said when, not if ;).
So what’s up with UT, why are they not players for the Harrison’s? Is there a backstory there?
Last question, Sterling Gibbs…you’re thoughts? Decent PG? We could’ve used him this year.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Gibbs hasnt done jack
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/57408/sterling-gibbs
Granted since Gary left us with one PG I guess he would help MD this year. In the long run though, Im glad we saved the scholly
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
He's only getting 8 mins a game though.
He definitely could’ve helped us this year, but you’re right, we’ve got bigger fish to use that scholly on.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Check out his turnovers though! Wow. A lot!
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
He's not getting time
He plays well when he gets time. He may go into next season as the starter at the point if Kabongo and Brown leave. Could also see him transferring, but he’s a good player. He needs more pt I think
Thanks for the thoughts and the questions
On Baylor: The only times I’ve been in Waco are driving past it to Dallas for OU weekend. I don’t generally put it down, and I’m a HUGE fan of Art Briles and Robert Griffin. There’s a lot of negative perception towards Baylor than there should be because of (1) locally, the SWC divorce, and (2) nationally, the Koresh incident and historic lack of athletic success. Hopefully their recent athletic successes will change that. Oh, it’s not just Texas fans that think Drew has some deep pockets, I’ll leave it at that.
On the Harrisons: In my posts, I’ve tried to outline why Maryland is a favorite—both family and coaching ties—so I do think the ASoB community is informed of that. Texas offered the Harrisons scholarships, but there just hasn’t been much interest, and the Horns have moved on. I think their eye on national recruiting has hurt them a little bit with the local premier prospects. If you’re interested, here’s a post I did on Texas high school basketball.
On Gibbs: He’s a guy that needed a redshirt, but has been forced into spot minutes because of depth purposes due to unexpectedly losing Cory Joseph to the NBA Draft (which is the reason why Gibbs was recruited in the first place). He has a decent outside shot but is in no way ready to be a ballhandler. Absolute best case, he develops his outside game enough to be a scoring machine like his brother. Much more likely, he becomes an organizational cog that gets some positive minutes his upperclassmen years. I don’t see him as a future starter, though I hope I’m wrong. If Kabongo and Brown leave (and fingers are hugely crossed that they don’t), top 100 recruit Jevan Felix likely will get the starting PG spot, with Gibbs backing him up.
David Koresh was a baller.
Played him in the Baptist summer leagues, couldn’t stop hitting 3’s, the kid was on fire.
(Too soon?)
In any case, thanks for the reply. Kabongo was apparently a huge Maryland fan, and said he would’ve come here but was never contacted. You’re lucky Gary waited a year to hang it up, my friend, because Turgeon would’ve been all over him.
If Gibbs is not a great ballhandler, then I’m glad he moved on. We don’t need another slow PG, although I’d take his shooting right now.
by 1 proud terp on Feb 16, 2012 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Sigh of relief!
I really like Kabongo, though he makes about 3-5 absolutely boneheaded plays per game. If he comes back for his sophomore year, I think he’s a lotto pick in ’13.
Sounds like Texas is done with the Canadian/Findlay Prep gravy train after Kabongo. Texas lost assistant coach Rodney Terry (took the Fresno HC job), and he was their pipeline.
That's one thing I don't understand about UK fans
You say you think they will pick UK because it will get them to the NBA. They’re good enough to get to the NBA at ANY school they’re considering. I see Cal as more of a manager of ego’s than a coach. Let me ask you this. The twins have ego’s. That comes with having the level of talent they possess. That being said, do you think it would be more enticing to them to raise a school that was once a power, back to national prominence?
It's possible
I mean, Jabari Parker could pick hometown Illinois and do the same thing. Do I think he will? No, I don’t.
A guy like Josh Selby was Rivals’ #1 overall recruit and he floundered in Self’s system. Nothing is guaranteed; it’s not always “ANY school”.
Calipari has done a damn fine job at prepping his players for the NBA, and his recent failures (Stacey Poole comes to mind) are massively outweighed by his successes. I think that’s a HUGE deal to kids who are single-mindedly focused on getting to the Association.
Not that you're completely wrong, but I'm not sure Selby is a good example
We were in his backyard for that one, and I can assure you Selby was a knucklehead of the highest order. People were worried about his attitude for years. Not saying Self’s system helped, but local hoopniks were skeptical of him having that much success at the next level no matter where he went.
Most of the top picks that Cal coached were lottery picks when they got there
Wall, Rose, Evans, Cousins, Bledsoe, Davis, Jones, Kidd-Gilchrist and the list goes on. I’m not saying they were NBA caliber players when they got there but they definitely would have been drafted in the lottery based on their potential.
As for Selby, Ben’s completely right. His ego far outweighed his talent level.
They would get into the NBA, but I think its about getting into the lottery...
and in some cases that #1 pick. If Anthony Davis was playing the same exact way for a above average team like Cincinnati then i’m sure he wouldn’t get much talk like he has at UK. Calipari highlights their skills and is doing a godo job coaching them up. Pastner at Memphis is getting damn near the same talent, but can’t do jack shit because he is a incompetent coach and is wasting the talent of the kids on his roster. Those guys can and should be lottery picks as well, but they won’t be because they decided to play for Pastner.
I bet they would still be lottery picks coming out of High School
If it was still allowed, that is.
dude, the Harrison's do NOT need Calpari or Turgeon to
get into the NBA; they could go to Towson and they will still be top 10 NBA picks!
You make my pee-pee maker t-t-tingle.
by Hey Yo! on Feb 16, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks a bunch, jc
Really good stuff.
I’d love to have your 25 wins, myself, but Turgeon has repeatedly said in regards to tempo that he wants to go much faster than he did at A&M, largely because he feels he’ll be able to land a higher level of talent. (He’s not wrong, either: MD poured a ridiculous amount of resources into assembling his staff, which is as high-powered a recruiting staff as any in the country.) It’ll be interesting to see develop.
I do agree that Kentucky is probably a little more likely simply based on the whole “It’s Kentucky” thing, but we’re so far out from a relatively complex recruitment that I’m not sure how productive it is to focus on that sort of thing. And, of course, we as a fanbase just enjoyed the Stefon Diggs commitment – where everyone was saying he was going to go to Ohio State or Florida mostly because they were Ohio State and Florida – so everyone’s a little jumpy.
It’ll be a battle, that’s for sure.
Congrats on landing Diggs
College basketball is a better world when Maryland is good, and it sounds like Turgeon has y’all on the right track.
At the end of the day, I hope the Harrisons go to Kentucky, but good luck in trying to land those “program-changers!”
Is it gametime yet? Good grief this day is crawling
I am ready to dominate BC. None of this close game BS. I want to put on a clinic.
You just got Locksley'd.... get use to it
by Charlotte NC Terp on Feb 16, 2012 4:31 PM EST reply actions
While we're waiting...
Anybody think the Lakers would trade for GV? I saw on ESPN that they one of the worst PG play in the league (Knicks actually had the worst before Lin came along). Apparently the Lakers are in the market for a PG.
Man I would love seeing GV on the Lakers.
by word2bigbird on Feb 16, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
so is the thought that
the harrison bros. are one and dones? i had it in my head that they would be around for two years should they end up somewhere besides kentucky
Here's how it happens...
They eliminate Baylor and Villanova over the summer. Cal and Turgeon spend the entire summer watching all of their games, begging for their services. No one has a clue who they will pick. Then, the same week when Maryland and Kentucky are set to square off at the brand spanking new Barclays Center in November, the Harrisons have a press conference at a local Lexington, KY sports bar, where UK fans wait for hours in anticipation of their newest 5 star recruits. But as they pick up the Kentucky hats, they chuck them in the crowd and pull Maryland hats out from under the table. A mob ensues, but the Harrisons escape. Stoglin drops 40 on UK the next day and returns for his senior year with the Harrisons to bring back the natty. Go ahead, beat that.
by tgrote on Feb 16, 2012 6:50 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
kindle material
$2.99 – lol
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
by bball purist on Feb 16, 2012 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Why do I get the feeling....
that if we get the twins it will turn out to be a disaster. They’ll be locker room poison or something like that and it will be a PR train wreck. Of course, if we don’t get them it will also be a disaster. Have I been a Maryland fan so long that I just expect everything to turn out bad?
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