MBB recruits 2016

[garyg]

Pemberton is looking like a steal...kid just seems to be getting better & better....can't wait until he is on floor for Hofstra...

[bobe13]

Anyone have further info on 6'7" Joey Baker from North Carolina who we have offered a scholly according to post on Facebook?

[Cards]

Here is some footage on Baker. Looks to be a strong kid who likes to go to the hoop - looks to know how to pass the rock, did not see much footage shooting jumpers, but what did see looks fine. Looks to be pretty good on defense - moves well.

Looks to be a good redshirt candidate with good upside.

Just realized after writing this post that the kid is only a high school soph!! His future is way out on the horizon.

https://youtu.be/caKZyC-NVow

[stuball888]

This guy has P5 written all over him. Think he is out of our reach.

[Polito]

Hey gotta be in it to win it - as usual, HU is out in front recruiting the TOP talent before anyone else even knows what's going on - keep it going fellas!

EP is a STUD and a future STAR in this conf - MVP of the Jordan Brand Regional full of 3 and 4 star kids is no joke, 22pts and 5boards... this on top of his national performance and 2nd place finish in the hs dunk competition - he's a national player - don't think it's a matter of "could" Rollpride15, I think he already IS a star, and is going to wreak absolute HAVOC in the CAA

On top of his ability, he's extremely well-spoken, seems to have a great head on his shoulders, is solid in the books, and comes from a strong family - gonna be a PRIME rep for HU, and with continued development could end up in the history books for this program

This is going to be one seriously athletic team

On the Ford front, he's on his official at UR today (and I think from yesterday) - it's an all out war between them and the good guys at HU!! One thing I look at when I take into account certain positions, is who is going to get them the rock - and HU's backcourt is absolutely STUDDED with Buie and Powers - these 2 are super true points, and are going to dish the rock and make their teammates stars

To me was one of the main factors in why I felt EP could flourish here, and it's the same with Ford - when you're at the 3/4 spots, you need some real talent to dish the ball - and HU has it. And Ford would shine brightly from day 1 because of it. I see a 1st team-level player in the CAA. Following this one closely...

Simon did his visit at SJU, went well from reports - read of potential commits from that weekend (included others), but that's also a lot of SJU supporting hype - wouldn't knock him if he did, but we'll see - there is def real value and reason to go with HU - wonder if he is going to get on campus??

[stuball888]

Any news on Ford. Did he commit to anyone yet

[ProudofPride]

Any news on Ford. Did he commit to anyone yet

Haven't heard anything, which as of right now I consider a good thing. I was actually a little nervous with him visiting Richmond during the signing period, since it was perfect timing for him to commit and sign but as far as I know he hasn't yet. At this point, I'm hoping no news is good news.

[ProudofPride]

Here's a wing we're interested in

Shawn Harmon ‏@Harmon64S 55m55 minutes ago
Hofstra called today showing interest in 2016 wing Kabir Mohammed @czar_2432
https://twitter.com/Harmon64S/status/722427808635568128

[HU87]

This is an interesting one-- he seemed to have committed to The Citadel back in December, but requested/was granted his release just a month later after some terrible, racially charged incidences at the school--

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/h ... story.html

I can't confirm he received his release via the web, but I assume he did if we're pursuing. Not much else out there on him besides a few articles here and there that paint him as a tough-nosed 3/4, who may be a bit undersized, but has a solid motor and good athleticism.

I'd assume he's part of a move we're making for plan b/c/d if Aleem doesn't commit. We shall see...

[HU87]

Well, this is getting interesting...

‏@AdamFinkelstein 14 hours ago
Butler head coach Chris Holtmann & two assistants were at @IMGAcademy today to see Aleem Ford. Michigan & Wisconsin expected in tomorrow.

[dutchalum01]

Well that was fun while it lasted.

[Polito]

yeah, saw that, and been following - UR fans not too thrilled either

It's ridiculous, these P5 johnny come lately schools swoop in at the last friggin minute just to literally fill holes, meanwhile the quality mids have been recruiting the young man for basically the last 2 yrs

However, there are no offers yet, just checking him out, and I'm actually not sure there will be offers - even if, I think they should be really evaluated by Ford and his crew as to what his 4 yrs will really look like - Butler has a stud WF commit in this class already, Michigan looks to have plenty of talent and no PT available, 100% RS - Wisconsin is hot after his PG teammate Trice - this could either be a secondary viewing in their pursuit of him, or perhaps they are looking to offer a package deal... that's the only one I'm really curious about - Trice is between them and Vandy with new HC Drew - we'll see

Thing is, I don't see Ford as a true Big East or Big Ten player - he's a star in the CAA, and high quality role guy/future impact guy in the A10 - I hope he really takes a look at what level is best for him in terms of a real impact, development, and future - and what STAFF is best to help him get there through real personal growth

Certainly won't knock the young man if he gets an offer from one of them and pursues it, hell it's big time ball - I'm just not sold on it being the best thing for him at this point

The interest in '16 Kabir Mohammed does cause some concern in the staffs real confidence in landing Ford though

Wild story...interesting player - it's the late in the game at this point, if he's the alternative I'm ok but not super impressed - he's really a 3, not a 4, and HU doesn't need another 6'5 guy, they need 6'6-6'8 - they need another WF, not a WG, there is a difference - feel the staff needs to continue working - if they miss on Ford, IMO they MUST grab an impact transfer and shoot for the 4 yr guy next class - I love Greer and think he's a big impact guy for HU right away, just don't feel comfortable leaving the 4 spot ALL up to him all year long

Mohammed plays on a very talented National Christian team (D1 players), ranked a spot below Antwan Walkers Woodson club, and he's one of the top starters on the team, just behind a GT commit I believe - looks like a big body 6'5 WG, plays strong and explosive, runs the floor great, strong rebounder, and known for very good defensive play, which is a nice plus for HU's needs - believe he won Defensive POY this season

IMO, he's prob a solid guy off the bench to back up the 3/4 if necessary, or a good RS candidate. But HU still HAS to land another talented WF in this class who can make an impact quickly along with Greer.

[HofstraMathew]

But HU still HAS to land another talented WF in this class who can make an impact quickly along with Greer.

I am hoping they are looking at a few grad transfers as backup plans as well. We still have three scholarships left so plenty of recruiting work for this staff to do.

[ProudofPride]

Mohammed plays on a very talented National Christian team (D1 players.

National Christian Academy is traditionally a very good basketball school. We have 2 women's recruits coming in next year from NCA, which may actually help our chances of landing him if he's at all close with those players. Obviously the men's and women's teams are two completely different programs, but they can still talk him up about how nice our campus and facilities are.

[ProudofPride]

Interesting crystal ball prediction for Ford on 247 Sports... I believe they've gotten several HU predictions correct in the past.
http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/ ... redictions

Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 4.52.32 PM.png

[HUSID80]

Don't know about Ford. That Michigan visit is concerning as one of his teammates is going ther I believe.

[Polito]

Think you mean Wisconsin SID - that's the most concerning one to me... his teammate Trice is being hotly pursued by them, he takes his official tomorrow, and it was just reported today that Ford will be joining him - Ford is also taking an official to Butler next week - not looking great

Definitely a frustrating turn of events - still no offers just yet, so this could be a lot of fluff - Wiscy is either playing every card to land Trice, or they are really contemplating offering a package type deal

I don't see much of a threat in Butler for some reason, but it's Big East so you never know

UR took a pledge from WG grad transfer 6'5 Bernard - slightly diff game than Ford but he's definitely getting minutes next yr and has talent, so that further eats into Fords 1st yr - I think UR sees the writing on the wall as well...

the 247 predictions were great and right after Fords HU visit - I still think that IF those bigs do not offer, HU still would have a very good shot - HU and the CAA is actually a fantastic situation for him - but if they offer, well, the good guys in blue are in trouble

The staff best be B U S Y working every possible angle on the best remaining talent to fill the 4 spot that they possibly can - it is imperative to land 1 more IMO - at this point I don't care if it's another JUCO, a grad transfer, or a 4 yr guy, I just want another IMPACT player to help fill out this class

anyone have staff feedback on Saintel or Gregory? I'll take another 6'5 WG like Mohammed BUT ONLY if they land a 4 WF in the 6'6-6'8 range as well - that is the KEY to finish this class strong

[Polito]

Also, confirmed by news sources that Mohammed has been released from his commit - apparently The Citadel denied his request, but the NLI board granted it. He's definitely moving on... doesn't look like HU has offered yet, wonder if there's strong enough interest between the two

[stuball888]

As per Adam Zagoria it looks like Justin Simon will go to St johns.

[Polito]

Yep, and per other twitter (Alex Kline) he has just committed to SJU - bummer, but not really unexpected

Let's go staff, I know that one was a bit of a long shot, but HU needs to make at least 1 more big move here - I'm all in on not settling, but let's dig deep and make something awesome happen - lot's of quality guys actually still available, so let's ROCK!!

Another stretch 4 is still priority #1 in my book, with a PG or a CG (ideally for redshirt) next in line