ECU has secured a commitment from what could be considered the first recruit I'm genuinely excited about. Expressing positivity about the recruiting philosophy hasn't been a common occurrence, so this development is quite promising. I believe in giving credit where it's due, and this is one of those cases.
The offers extended to this recruit include Arkansas State, FIU, Manhattan, Northern Illinois, Oakland, Robert Morris, Stony Brook, and Youngstown State. While these may not be groundbreaking offers, my support extends to players who demonstrate productivity on the basketball court. This approach seems more sensible than backing a high school player with only two offers, or that shot 40% from the floor. I find myself more inclined to support players who consistently contribute positively on the court.
Stats
Let's take a look at the stats
The statistical profile is truly remarkable. While it's true that some JUCO players have faced challenges transitioning to D1 here and other places, the solid stats of this player suggest there might be factors that differentiate him. Notably, he's achieving these impressive numbers at a program ranked in the top 25 (21st), adding credibility to his performance. The consistency in making free throws indicates that his three-point percentage, even if on the lower side in terms of volume, is likely genuine. This proficiency was demonstrated in the previous season as well, where he maintained similar stats at a program just outside the Top 25 (28th). The presence of multiple years of impressive statistics and a winning impact on a successful JUCO team bodes well.
The 12 rebounds per game in just 27 minutes is undoubtedly noteworthy. What stands out to me the most, however, is his playmaking ability at 6-7, evident in both seasons. It's clear that he's not confined to the post; instead, he plays a significant role in the offensive decision-making process for a team that averaged 96 points per game and 104 points per game in successive seasons. This versatility and involvement in shaping the offense are compelling aspects that contribute to his overall impact on the team's success.
The team numbers do suggest some potential inflation of stats due to the high number of possessions you have with a team scoring 104 points, but despite that consideration, these statistics remain remarkably impressive. Each aspect of his performance stands out as solid, though turnovers might be a slight concern. While he shows some tendency towards turnovers, it's noteworthy that his aggressiveness is evident.
Another positive aspect is his remarkably low
foul rate for a player of his activity level, staying consistently
under 2.0 in both seasons even in the high possession enviroment. This is particularly noteworthy considering
his average of 3 steals, a block in the hustle stats, or 12 rebounds in just 27 minutes of
play. It not only reflects his defensive prowess but also underscores
his stamina to sustain such a high level of play in intense possessions
at this competitive level and to stay out of foul trouble.
Measurables and Video
In summary, there are consistent and repeatable percentages across the board for this player, and his performance comes within the context of a winning and high-level team. With outstanding measurements at 6-7, he displays explosiveness evident from highlights. Given his weight, playing across four positions might still be viable, especially considering his impressive rebounding.
Drawing a parallel with Maurice Kemp, who excelled at PF despite a similar weight (weighed 175 at Portsmouth Combine after his SR Season), this player exhibits traits conducive to being a versatile contributor across various positions from PG to PF. Like Kemp, he could potentially make a significant impact at PF, particularly given his adept ball-handling, speed, and explosiveness. His skill set could provide a substantial offensive advantage, reminiscent of Kemp's contributions. Notably, this player is also a more proficient passer. Comparing stat lines, it's reasonable to argue that this player's performance is even more impressive than Kemp's, (17ppg, 10rpg, 1.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg 59% FG, 65%FT 52% 3's on 23 makes for a top 25 JUCO team), indicating a promising prospect with the potential to make significant contributions at various positions on the court.
Conclusion
The comprehensive evaluation of stats, video footage, and measurable attributes not only aligns but also impresses. Given the promising aspects observed, I anticipate that many coaches may come to regret not pursuing this player, reminiscent of sentiments I held about Kemp and Newton at their respective commitment times. I can get behind these players.
While acknowledging the inherent risk associated with JUCO players and their varying transitions to college, the calculated approach of recruiting someone with a proven track record in a top 25 team significantly mitigates concerns. It's a more tangible and reliable indicator of potential success compared to recruiting high school players solely based on offer lists. The demonstrated ability to perform at a high level in a competitive environment provides a level of assurance that adds to the excitement and support for such recruits. Here's hoping for more opportunities to witness the recruitment of players of this caliber in the future.
