Realistic targets in 2012

[Jumpy]

Not that I should care about it now, in the middle of the season; but who are our realistic targets in the 2012 class?

I'm not expecting anyone to divulge paid for recruiting tips, although I've heard that since Snow left, there aren't many to go around on Rivals. I'd just like to get an idea of who our prime targets are, especially since DSR backed off.

[MADXSTER]

DSR is still a major target
Kyle Anderson - I'd still keep him on the list
Torian Graham - I'd still keep him on the list
Montrezl Harrell - I'd still keep him on the list
DeJuan Marrero - I'd still keep him on the list
Myles Davis - I'd still keep him on the list

Gary Harris - I think is looking elsewhere, once Xavier had DSR they kinda stopped pursuing him and lost a bit of ground
Elijah Macon - I think grades may be holding him back

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Anderson and DSR are the top 2 targets for 2012. AFter that there are numerous possibilities but those two are the main priorities first and foremost.

[boozehound]

Anderson and DSR are the top 2 targets for 2012. AFter that there are numerous possibilities but those two are the main priorities first and foremost.

Either one of those guys would be great. I would ideally like to see us land a top shooting guard with a good jump shot and some range. That seems to be a big area of need in 2012 from my perspective.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

What about looking for a true center to replace THE KING when he leaves....that 7'5" guy (Sim B.) cannot be a starter. There is simply not many available for 2012.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I want DSR to recommit!!!

[HuskyMuskie]

A kid I would personally like to see commit would be A.J Hammons, from Indianapolis. His rivals page can be found here: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-A.J.-Hammons-94068

He would be a fine replacement for the King, and with the addition of DSR (who I believe with every passing day becomes a more realistic recommitment), and, say, Jeremy Hollowell, would make for a great class.

I'm not sure how hard Mack & Co. have gone after this kid, but his name is Jeremy HolloWELL, and his rivals page could be found here:http://rivals.yahoo.com/illinois/basketball/recruiting/player-Jeremy-Hollowell-96678

He, too, is from Indianapolis.

Imagine that: 3 Indy boys, DSR, Jeremy, and AJ, making the trek down I-74 to the X. Hmmmm...

1. DSR *****
2. AJ Hammons ****
3. Jeremy Hollowell ****
4. My man Sim Bhullar ***

^^What a class.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

What about looking for a true center to replace THE KING when he leaves....that 7'5" guy (Sim B.) cannot be a starter. There is simply not many available for 2012.

I believe there are 3 scholarships available. They would take Anderson and DSR under any circumstances. That is best case scenario albeit probably not realistic. As booze said, getting 1 would be considered a great success.

You are absolutely right though. They want a big in this class. Sim is a project that cannot be considered an instant impact player from day 1. But he has the potential to become a monster

When DSR or Anderson make their decision (hopefully X), the rest will fall out quickly in my opinion.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

A kid I would personally like to see commit would be A.J Hammons, from Indianapolis. His rivals page can be found here: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-A.J.-Hammons-94068

He would be a fine replacement for the King, and with the addition of DSR (who I believe with every passing day becomes a more realistic recommitment), and, say, Torian Graham, would make for a great class.

Also, I'm not sure how hard Mack & Co. have gone after this kid, but his name is Jeremy HolloWELL, and his rivals page could be found here:http://rivals.yahoo.com/illinois/basketball/recruiting/player-Jeremy-Hollowell-96678

He, too, is from Indianapolis.

1. DSR *****
2. AJ Hammons ****
3. Jeremy Hollowell ****
4. My man Sim Bhullar ***

^^What a class.

Hammons and Hollowell are both out of the picture from what I understand.

[HuskyMuskie]

Aaaaaaand there goes my pride. :(

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

DSR is still a major target
Kyle Anderson - I'd still keep him on the list
Torian Graham - I'd still keep him on the list
Montrezl Harrell - I'd still keep him on the list
DeJuan Marrero - I'd still keep him on the list
Myles Davis - I'd still keep him on the list

Gary Harris - I think is looking elsewhere, once Xavier had DSR they kinda stopped pursuing him and lost a bit of ground
Elijah Macon - I think grades may be holding him back

This is a very accurate description. I think Montrezl is out as well though

[smileyy]

What about looking for a true center to replace THE KING when he leaves....that 7'5" guy (Sim B.) cannot be a starter. There is simply not many available for 2012.

Most programs go without "true centers", or wait years for them to develop.

[SixFig]

If I was a betting man I'd say we do get a true center, probably a three star project a la Jason Love, and develop him under Jordan Latham (don't forget about him). You know Chris Mack really really wants a true center, we had Michael Chandler for about five minutes.

[Juice]

Is Hammons completely out then?

[whitesox]

I really haven't heard much about Hammons.

DSR's brief commitment really hurt us with Gary Harris. For a long time the word has been that they didn't want to end up at the same place; it seems like Harris moved on after DSR committed (and we probably backed off too). Unfortunately, it would be great to get back in on Harris, but that doesn't sound likely- which is fine if we end up with DSR.

Pretty likely that at least 1 of DSR, Harris, and Hollowell ends up at IU (far from a sure thing, but seems better than 50-50). Most likely Hollowell, in my opinion; outside chance that Hollowell and either Harris or DSR end up there.

I would love to get DSR and Marrero out of Indiana, though. I would like Hammons, too, but I really don't know where he stands. I think Illinois is pushing for Marrero, too.

Disclaimer: this is all stuff I have found out from various message boards, recruiting analysts, and general talk in Indiana. I cannot vouch for absolute accuracy.

[RoseyMuskie]

I've heard good things about X's chances for Kyle Anderson from good sources. I also heard that X and MSU are the main competitors for Gary Harris from the same sources, which is interesting because I think MSU's backcourt is filled for awhile. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[smileyy]

I also heard that X and MSU are the main competitors for Gary Harris from the same sources, which is interesting because I think MSU's backcourt is filled for awhile.

I'd think XU's is pretty filled for a while, too. Not that I'd be opposed to Davis, Canty or Martin leaving early for the NBA :)

[wkrq59]

What I've seen from ESPN is Macon , -8, 210, from Marion, OH Franklin decommitted from WVa and has Xavier first on his list and WVa second. Those are his only two.
DSR no longer lists Xavier and has not for some time. Hammon still lists X
Of course none of this means jack sh!t when it comes to high school kids minds.:eek:

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

What I've seen from ESPN is Macon , -8, 210, from Marion, OH Franklin decommitted from WVa and has Xavier first on his list and WVa second. Those are his only two.
DSR no longer lists Xavier and has not for some time. Hammon still lists X
Of course none of this means jack sh!t when it comes to high school kids minds.:eek:

Haha, I have not seen that but they are usually horrible at updating the interests

DSR and X is still an option.

Hammons/Hollowell are not coming to X(read on twitter from someone awhile back about OSU/Indiana are the two biggest options for both although I haven't followed as close recently).

I would love to have Macon and I think he would love to come here, but his grades are horrific from what I read from last year

[SixFig]

What I've seen from ESPN is Macon , -8, 210, from Marion, OH Franklin decommitted from WVa and has Xavier first on his list and WVa second. Those are his only two.
DSR no longer lists Xavier and has not for some time. Hammon still lists X
Of course none of this means jack sh!t when it comes to high school kids minds.:eek:

ESPN has the worst recruiting site out there. DSR is still very much in the fold, Hammons and Macon as well.

[whitesox]

I've heard good things about X's chances for Kyle Anderson from good sources. I also heard that X and MSU are the main competitors for Gary Harris from the same sources, which is interesting because I think MSU's backcourt is filled for awhile. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

For a while MSU and Indiana have been considered leaders for Harris (with X in the mix but a bit behind). Supposedly Louisville is getting involved now, too. I hadn't heard that we are back in the forefront on the Harris recruiting, but that would be a nice development.

[PMI]

It's just my amateur opinion that Macon would already be a Xavier commit if it weren't for his grades. I also think despite DSR's de-commitment, we are still very high on his list. One name I don't think has come up on this thread who I believe is still in the mix is Torrian Graham. He a very athletic guard. The good news is, while it's yet to be determined who will make up our 2012 class, it's almost a lock that we will have some very good players coming in that year.

[xavierj]

If this guy commits to Louisville then D'Vauntes and Gary Harris will not be heading there. You gotta think Slick Rick has something to do with this guy opening back up.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providencehttp://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providence

[xsteve1]

ESPN has the worst recruiting site out there. DSR is still very much in the fold, Hammons and Macon as well.


With Dave Telep now running ESPN's recruiting site it should improve greatly. To be honest haven't heard much about X and Hammons for a long while.

[Juice]

If this guy commits to Louisville then D'Vauntes and Gary Harris will not be heading there. You gotta think Slick Rick has something to do with this guy opening back up.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providencehttp://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providence

Rick is coaching the Puerto Rican national team this summer who Ledo will most likely be playing for so you got think Louisville has the lead for him.

[Xavgrad08]

Heard Calipari was still recruiting Ledo hard despite the fact that he verballed to providence. I know this is common, but I still found that interesting.

I know we probably won't get a 2012 commitment until summer, but I am anxious to see who we get on board. One thing is for sure, this X staff is working hard.

[xavierj]

Heard Calipari was still recruiting Ledo hard despite the fact that he verballed to providence. I know this is common, but I still found that interesting.

I know we probably won't get a 2012 commitment until summer, but I am anxious to see who we get on board. One thing is for sure, this X staff is working hard.

Oh I would bet one, maybe two, will come way before the summer.

[XUFAN 51795]

Before DSR committed I had heard we were the favorite For Gary Harris maybe we could still get him. I just hope we get Torian Graham or DSR. It's not like torian Graham came from no where he used to go to high school with Dez. Torian is also in the mid 20's overall for rivals.com

[Juice]

If this guy commits to Louisville then D'Vauntes and Gary Harris will not be heading there. You gotta think Slick Rick has something to do with this guy opening back up.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providencehttp://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/4601/nd-preps-ledo-decommits-from-providence


goodmanonfox Jeff Goodman
A source close to the situation has told me Rick Pitino and Louisville will not go after Ricky Ledo following him re-opening recruitment.

I don't get why not but that can't be good for X

[ballyhoohoo]

I don't get why not but that can't be good for X

L'ville already has one guard for 2012, another would take up their guard spots

[wkrq59]

Hammons and Hollowell are both out of the picture from what I understand.

I know Hollowell committed to Indiana, but why Hammons out of pic? He still lists Xavier among his interests and hasn't changed that in ages. And DSR mentioned him in a recent video when he, DSR, announced he was transferring to Oak Hill for his senior year and to play with Hammons whose praises he shouted.
ps, pm me if you need to, q

[PMI]

Q, my guess is that it comes down to the fact that we've already landed two bigs for the class. With Sim and Farr on board, and Canty looking highly likely to commit, we would have no more scholarships but would over-sign by one, and that would probably go to a guard like DSR or Myles Davis. Hammons is at or near 7 feet now and we already have a 4 and 5 in the class. Other than that, I don't think Hammons and Xavier have cut ties or anything like that, but it just comes down to a numbers/needs situation.

For what it's worth, in my opinion, while Hammons is a player with a ton of potential, he is still a project and needs to work on his footwork and speed, not unlike Sim. Could we really afford to take two project centers in the same class with all these other highly talented guards/wings showing interest? I think Hammons is an odd man out, which speaks volumes about the level we're recruiting at right now. Just my opinion.

[Juice]

Q, my guess is that it comes down to the fact that we've already landed two bigs for the class. With Sim and Farr on board, and Canty looking highly likely to commit, we would have no more scholarships but would over-sign by one, and that would probably go to a guard like DSR or Myles Davis. Hammons is at or near 7 feet now and we already have a 4 and 5 in the class. Other than that, I don't think Hammons and Xavier have cut ties or anything like that, but it just comes down to a numbers/needs situation.

For what it's worth, in my opinion, while Hammons is a player with a ton of potential, he is still a project and needs to work on his footwork and speed, not unlike Sim. Could we really afford to take two project centers in the same class with all these other highly talented guards/wings showing interest? I think Hammons is an odd man out, which speaks volumes about the level we're recruiting at right now. Just my opinion.

In your opinion, who is a better player right now between Sim and Hammons? and who do you think has more potential?

[PMI]

In your opinion, who is a better player right now between Sim and Hammons? and who do you think has more potential?

Well, mind you that I'm going mostly off everything other than watching games (highlights, reviews, etc.) since I've watched Hammons once and Sim only online, but I'd say Hammons is a more valuable high school player right now. I think he has some of the same areas to improve in as Sim, but being a half-foot shorter at that age, he's a little more comfortable on his feet and a little more athletic right now. I think AJ has some of the same areas to work on as, say, Jason Love did when he first arrived. If Hammons is as hard a worker as Love, his ceiling is extremely high as I think he's further along at this point. But I still believe Bhullar has the best upside ultimately. As far as I can tell, he is an extremely hard worker and he has really good natural touch. He's a better athlete than he'd been given credit for until very recently, and he's the biggest high school player in the country. But, I think when it comes to evaluating potential, you have to weigh their risks of injury, which is the only thing that I consider a glaring concern with Sim at this point.

If he stays healthy, I'd give Bhullar the thumbs up for top potential, but Hammons may be the safer pick. A healthy Bhullar will have a tremendous career. I think Hammons will also have an excellent career, but much like Love, I don't think he'll tear it up his first year or two. Bigs just take time. Look at a guy like Adrien Payne, a very highly rated recruit who didn't do a ton for Michigan State this past year (neither did any other Spartan of course.) I think both Hammons and Bhullar will have a learning curve, but I'll give the edge to Sim in terms of overall potential, with the caveat that injuries are more of a concern for him at his size.

This is solely my unprofessional opinion.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Well, mind you that I'm going mostly off everything other than watching games (highlights, reviews, etc.) since I've watched Hammons once and Sim only online, but I'd say Hammons is a more valuable high school player right now. I think he has some of the same areas to improve in as Sim, but being a half-foot shorter at that age, he's a little more comfortable on his feet and a little more athletic right now. I think AJ has some of the same areas to work on as, say, Jason Love did when he first arrived. If Hammons is as hard a worker as Love, his ceiling is extremely high as I think he's further along at this point. But I still believe Bhullar has the best upside ultimately. As far as I can tell, he is an extremely hard worker and he has really good natural touch. He's a better athlete than he'd been given credit for until very recently, and he's the biggest high school player in the country. But, I think when it comes to evaluating potential, you have to weigh their risks of injury, which is the only thing that I consider a glaring concern with Sim at this point.

If he stays healthy, I'd give Bhullar the thumbs up for top potential, but Hammons may be the safer pick. A healthy Bhullar will have a tremendous career. I think Hammons will also have an excellent career, but much like Love, I don't think he'll tear it up his first year or two. Bigs just take time. Look at a guy like Adrien Payne, a very highly rated recruit who didn't do a ton for Michigan State this past year (neither did any other Spartan of course.) I think both Hammons and Bhullar will have a learning curve, but I'll give the edge to Sim in terms of overall potential, with the caveat that injuries are more of a concern for him at his size.

This is solely my unprofessional opinion.

Well said.

In regards to the injuries quote, Sim's body type seems a lot different than most 7'5"-7'7" players...Most of them are really skinny(minus Yao who's pretty built) and its impossible for them to put on weight. Sim and his brother are completely the opposite. I don't know if it reduces their risk for injury (I doubt it since they are both enormous) but it is interesting to see their body types as being so much different than say Shawn Bradley, Manute Bol, and even Georghe Muresan to some extent.

What will be really interesting to see is how much more effective he can become when he starts putting on muscle and becoming more aggressive. Can you imagine a Sim Bhullar that weighs 320 pounds with solid muscle? I'm sure our strength and conditioning guy at X is

[smileyy]

Can you imagine a Sim Bhullar that weighs 320 pounds with solid muscle? I'm sure our strength and conditioning guy at X is

He'd probably look a lot like Georghe Muresan.