MBB recruits 2016

[garyg]

Ford to Wisconsin

[RollPride15]

I wish Ford the best at Wisconsin, he's clearly a talented guy. I do scratch my head because it's difficult to imagine him getting off the bench, but if he's happy with his choice then more power to him.

I'd like to see us go after Dylon Gregory hard, I think he's a good slasher fit with high upside.

[Cards]

I'm actually glad to see we got the walk-on Ros. First, the guy does have some skills, so its not like when Dan Stein suited up. Second, its will be good to see active players on the bench supporting guys on the floor. Third, he will be a valuable guy to have in practice...I don't think we can underscore enough the importance of having a full squad working hard in practice (especially when a starter or backup is injured or needs to take it easy for a few days). Fourth, he could surprise us all and end up filling a niche or need that develops.

All in all, I see only upside to this recruit. No loss if it does not work out.

Too bad about Ford. Oh well, just move on and keep grinding on the recruiting trail JM. By the way, lots of offers the last few days to some high level 2017 recruits. Keep it up Joe!

[Polito]

Agree 100%, Ros is a fantastic walk on - I would wager one of, if not the best in the last 2 decades

First, he has perfect size for a key position that has some need, rather than just some local PG with minimal ability - when was the last time HU brought in a SF as a walk on? My guess is never

As mentioned, he actually has some skill (prob NEC/AE level) - he was a 6'4 G starting hs so he has G skills at his now Sr size of 6'7'/6'8 195lbs - he can handle the ball, drive and take contact, make good passes, hit the three, had post moves, and can defend - plays on a good team, with and against some good D1 talent, was honorable mention all-division or something like that, was in the county all-star game, and has a 7 foot wingspan - per his Twitter he visited Columbia, MIT, and BC - can't confirm if official or 'un', but that's not bad and he's clearly a strong student - seems to be a good hearted young man too, lots of support, and displays a gracious hard working attitude - yeah, I'll take that as a 'free trial' all day!

Knew Ford was gone if Wiscy offered - I don't see quite that level, but good for him

Sounds like the staff is feeling confident with what they have for this season - if that's the case I'm good with the plan to for 1-2 transfers to sit and play 2 - also good with Greer over Saintel, HU got the 4 impact guy they needed - would love one more to play this season, but I also realize there's only so many minutes and HU has a number of guys looking to make their mark already so if I'm another I may not see that as ideal for my PT

Love the big time offers going out, gotta try - and love seeing EP helping to recruit - I think player to player recruiting is HUGE - guys like EP and Greer are highly respected ballers in their respective 'worlds', let's parlay some more big time signings!!

I'd love to see a talented SF/WF and a CG to come in and sit or RS for a yr, and burst onto the scene the following season

[garyg]

Wonder what transfers we are looking at ?? If we get the right two we could have a monster season in the senior year for Rokas

[bobe13]

If Ros has NEC or AECskills and could get a scholly from one of those schools why would he come to Hofstra as a walk on? Maybe he is getting some type of financial aid.

[stuball888]

I believe Ros is from France. Could he be a pre-med student. Could have a need based scholly.

[Jojogunne]

Wonder what transfers we are looking at ?? If we get the right two we could have a monster season in the senior year for Rokas

Here's a list of potential transfers:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/transfers/2016

[RollPride15]

I've compiled a list of transfers that seem like reasonable fits in terms of talent and location. Note that I have no inside info on who Joe is going after.

Larry Austin, Xavier, 6'2, Jr: Probably has his sights set higher but only got 10 mins a game at Xavier last year, clearly mid-major material. We don't really need more guards blocking Buie/JWF/Pemberton though.

Oumar Barry, Depaul, 6'10, So: Didn't see time at DePaul and is definitely raw but a year of redshirting in a smaller conference could make him a force.

D.J. Foreman, Rutgers, 6'8, Jr: Put up 8/6 in 26 mpg for RU last year, don't see him as a P5 star but barring character issues he seems like a perfect fit here.

Paul Jorgensen, GW, 6'2, Jr: Probably would be a bench guy here as well but I can see him getting 20 mpg

Jermaine Lawrence, Manhattan, 6'9, Sr: Red flag character concerns, this guy has the talent for sure and is a Queens native. But Joe will almost certainly stay clear.

The NC State Martin twins as already discussed: Probably looking at high-level P5 offers but honestly Hofstra could offer them a chance to shine. Highly unlikely but how much fun would that be?

Jon Nwankwo, VCU, 6'10, So: Bronx native, highly recruited. Will Wade endorsed his character as he announced his transfer which is a good sign. VCU and Hof always seem in on the same types of guys so if Mr. Nwankwo is homesick I'd love to see him here. Probably the transfer I'd want the most right now.

Aakim Saintil, LIU Brooklyn, 5'10, Sr: Could be depth at the guard spot, averaged 13 pts/5 assists for the Blackbirds last year.

[Polito]

fair point bobe, allow me to remove the AE actually - he's prob a rare bench guy there - NEC he could def play for, likely as a solid role/bench guy - perhaps none of those schools or scenarios were appealing to him... perhaps he feels, and the staff may support, that he could develop here and grow into a player that adds value here

could be something else, no idea, but good question

I mean he's a walk-on, not trying to make his skills out to be 'amazing', but he's not some kid that plays in the backyard, he's got some real (and proven) ability - weaknesses are of course also there - as noted, he's not quick/fast, not very athletic, and therefore is 6'7/6'8 but doesn't have any game above the rim

my guess is maybe HU is the best program/conf offering him a shot, and he got some $ on the academic side? just a guess though... no matter, I love this young man as a walk on, will absolutely take it!


As for transfers, there's also Tafari Whittingham, a strong 6'8 PF with some ability to score and rebound, transferring from South Alabama and from BK (went to Lincoln) - seems like a guy with solid potential if they are looking at any PF's (which I'm not sure they are)

The keys to me remain: IMPACT guys at SF/WF and a PG/CG - anything else is gravy

[HUSID80]

According to Jon Rothstein GW's Paul Jorgensen visited Hofstra, is visiting Northeastern and will visit Butler.

[Jojogunne]

I hope Jorgensen had a good visit. He's a nice player. After this performance two years ago, he got the nickname Prince Harry of Harlem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BoqAgd9DEE

[bobe13]

Just watched the video-unbelievable-hope we get him

[garyg]

He is being recruited by Butler which is impressive

[Cards]

Video is cool, especially that double behind the back move. He would be a nice addition to just about any program

Lots of 2017 recruiting activity by HU. I see we have offers out to about 15 SGs (with most NOT being 2 star recruits!). Go for it Joe, got to be in it to get the prize.

[HU87]

I assume he's being pitched on sitting a year, and then moving right into Bernardi's role, which is a great pitch! It's basically what Bernardi is doing (left a higher-level program with limited contribution to become the man here). We'd love to have him be a leader on this team.

The team also posted a dope video to their facebook playing off on the running man challenge (started by UMD hoops I think?). Love seeing the guys cut loose a bit, and even get Speedy into the action!

https://www.facebook.com/HofstraMBB/?fref=nf

From a recruiting standpoint, I think this is great-- quality character guys who play hard, but still have a great time. Seems like an environment any recruit would want to be a part of.

From a team standpoint, Andre is present and practicing, which is a great sign. I really hope he comes back and makes a solid contribution this year. More importantly, I want to see him be a 4 year player for us!

[Jojogunne]

Jorgensen is a more rounded player than Bernardi. He's also "local," if you consider Rockland County local. Don't know how much that matters to him.

[garyg]

Agreed JOJO....Jorgensen appears to be better all around player compared with Bernardi and he also appears to be more athletic

[bobe13]

I assume he's being pitched on sitting a year, and then moving right into Bernardi's role, which is a great pitch! It's basically what Bernardi is doing (left a higher-level program with limited contribution to become the man here). We'd love to have him be a leader on this team.

The team also posted a dope video to their facebook playing off on the running man challenge (started by UMD hoops I think?). Love seeing the guys cut loose a bit, and even get Speedy into the action!

https://www.facebook.com/HofstraMBB/?fref=nf

From a recruiting standpoint, I think this is great-- quality character guys who play hard, but still have a great time. Seems like an environment any recruit would want to be a part of.

From a team standpoint, Andre is present and practicing, which is a great sign. I really hope he comes back and makes a solid contribution this year. More importantly, I want to see him be a 4 year player for us!

I'm sorry who is Andre do you have any info on him?
thks

[Cards]

bob - Andre Walker, rising junior, 6'10' C