James Farr (Commit Xavier)

[THRILLHOUSE]

@BSnowScout James Farr just pledged to Xavier story coming shortly

6'8'' PF from Evanston, IL, class of 2012.

[25jackson]

reclassifying to the class of 2012 and will attend prep school.

[THRILLHOUSE]

YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoEBRPygKKc

Inside the Hall write up:

http://www.insidethehall.com/tag/james-farr/

ESPN Profile:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/110969/james-farr

Scout:

http://toledo.scout.com/a.z?s=361&p=8&c=1&nid=5028544

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Sleeper...Real late bloomer apparently

[xu15]

Looks like he's got a nice jumper

[bobbiemcgee]

Can't tell much from the video but in Mack I trust.

http://nocureforthat.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/klinger2.jpg


at first glance, i thought we were getting Klinger.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Looks like he's got a solid midrange jumper - especially that turn around

Wonder if this changes who X recruits in 2012

[Masterofreality]

Any recruit we steal from Tom Crean is sweet.

[Juice]

DeeDavisX Darwin Davis Jr.
welcome to the fam @JamesFarr30


Tweet from Dee Davis to Farr

[Woodburn]

Any recruit we steal from Tom Crean is sweet.

IU hasn't offered as best I can tell, so it's not really a steal. That said, kid looks like he is mobile, has good footwork and a nice shot. Not bad for a 6'7" late bloomer. Loved how he didn't get in that kid's face in the video and just focused on his game. More maturity than I had at 17/18 years old for sure. Glad he's got a year in prep school because he could put on some weight.

[ReturnOfTheMack]

This guy moves/plays alot like Derrick Brown. This is exactly what we need. An athletic PF who can draw a less mobile defender from the basket and score. Hopefully he provides the same shot blocking and rebounding presence.

[Woodburn]

This guy moves/plays alot like Derrick Brown. This is exactly what we need. An athletic PF who can draw a less mobile defender from the basket and score. Hopefully he provides the same shot blocking and rebounding presence.

I think this is a nice analogy. I also thought he looked a bit like a less-awkward Will (Tha Thrill) Caudle, which obviously isn't as kind.

[nkymuskie]

In Mack I trust. If he thinks this kid can play then I'll trust in him. Man I just don't know though. Watching his videos he can shoot and.... This just didn't seem like the type of near elite recruit we had been looking at.

[waggy]

Does remind of Derrick a lot. Wearing #30..

[Atlas]

I Like the range he showed. Doesn't seem like we have enough people who can do a pull up or fade away jumper.

[HuskyMuskie]

I've gotta say, because he is relatively unknown, a 6'8" PF, I must say he reminds me a lot of Jalen Reynolds. Congrats to the big fella and his family. Let's make this puppy shine.

You are all forgetting, this commitment PROBABLY would not have happened had we not had a PF transfer out. This more than likely affects our "transfering-in" status, I would think, as this claims one of the spots opened up by the transfers. Now just add my main man Sim and we've got ourselves two big-time (literally) recruits filling in these roster spots.

Save the other 2 schollys for DSR and Myles Davis in 2012.

:logo:

[Xavgrad08]

The kid looks like he has a smooth stroke. Will be interesting to see which position he plays in college. I am guessing the 3 or 4, but there will be alot of talent ahead of him at those positions.

I would like to have another big body in the class of 2012 along with DSR.

[danaandvictory]

I like the fact that Farr will have another year of seasoning before arriving at XU. Per Rick, Farr didn't play on the bigtime AAU circuit which explains the dearth of national publicity.

[XUFan09]

I've gotta say, because he is relatively unknown, a 6'8" PF, I must say he reminds me a lot of Jalen Reynolds. Congrats to the big fella and his family. Let's make this puppy shine.

You are all forgetting, this commitment PROBABLY would not have happened had we not had a PF transfer out. This more than likely affects our "transfering-in" status, I would think, as this claims one of the spots opened up by the transfers. Now just add my main man Sim and we've got ourselves two big-time (literally) recruits filling in these roster spots.

Save the other 2 schollys for DSR and Myles Davis in 2012.

:logo:

If he's doing a year of prep school, I'm pretty sure he's taking one of the 2012 scholarships, which still leaves two open for 2011 (or one, if Sim is coming like people say he is, which I believe).

[xu15]

If he's doing a year of prep school, I'm pretty sure he's taking one of the 2012 scholarships, which still leaves two open for 2011 (or one, if Sim is coming like people say he is, which I believe).

Might as well hold one over for 2012 though. I agree with the others, I want DSR and Myles Davis

[PM Thor]

Klinger looks to have a weird shot, as if he almost goes off his left hip, doesn't square up very well, but that may be just appearance, because lefties just look weird.

Great jumpshot. You hardly ever see anyone take a midrange jumpshot, and make it their best shot anymore. It's almost always banging underneath, penetrating, or hitting the 3. Concerned about playing underneath. Didn't see any fighting for a rebound, obviously needs to work on strength, but that's going into Xaviers wheelhouse, getting guys stronger. In Mack I trust.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

Shocked this kid didn't go to Toledo.

[STL_XUfan]

I have a logistical question.

We have 2 scholarships open for 2011 right? Why is Farr reclassifying to 2012? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring him on campus as a player we know is going to redshirt a year in order to work on his strength? It would also give him time to learn our system (our freshmen don't seem to have a very good track record of coming in and being able to play right away).

Is there another issue I am not aware of (short credit hours or needs the playing time to develop)?

[pizza delivery]

It's always cool to add Musketeers, Bearcat beaters, A10 authorities, Tournament veterans. Welcome!

[wkrq59]

Several things stand out for me:
1)The kid is left handed.
2)he shoots the basketball instead of jamming it all the time.
3)He is not afraid of contact. Looked to be grabbing most of his rebounds on quickness and reaction time and by his own admission needs to be stronger and add muscle weight.
4)Release passes are quick and on the mark. Does not appear to be "ball dominant" --not a hog.
5) Seems team oriented.
6)Can shoot free throws.
7)I still think pairing him with Hammons, a natural center, could put Xavier in clover for the after Kenny Frease days.:D

[94GRAD]

I have a logistical question.

We have 2 scholarships open for 2011 right? Why is Farr reclassifying to 2012? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring him on campus as a player we know is going to redshirt a year in order to work on his strength? It would also give him time to learn our system (our freshmen don't seem to have a very good track record of coming in and being able to play right away).

Is there another issue I am not aware of (short credit hours or needs the playing time to develop)?

My guess is he hasn't qualified through the NCAA clearing house yet. That is a guess only!

[Backyard Champ]

Shocked this kid didn't go to Toledo.

I trust Mack a lot, but this concerns me. I do not want someone who may have gone to Toledo instead. I say that, but then again, I back Mack 110 percent, so I will end up loving this recruit. It just concerns me a bit that he could have been going to Toledo instead.

[SixFig]

I trust Mack a lot, but this concerns me. I do not want someone who may have gone to Toledo instead. I say that, but then again, I back Mack 110 percent, so I will end up loving this recruit. It just concerns me a bit that he could have been going to Toledo instead.

I wonder if Mack's track record (albeit a short sample size) of freshmen barely playing at all their first seasons has hurt XU any. I know Justin Martin probably would have played, but still. Other coaches can tell highly ranked recruits "yeah, if you go to Xavier you won't be allowed to play through your failures, if you see any minutes at all". A big season from Wells, Reynolds, or Davis would go a long way toward rectifying this.

Who knows? Maybe this Farr kid will explode into the rankings his prep year. Also, he might be just the first piece of a class that includes a couple top 100 recruits. Not every recruit can play right away, obviously. My major concern is still replacing Kenny Frease, I would think a top 50 center would get 15-20 minutes per as a freshman in 2012-13, should be an appealing offer.

Farr Out!

[Xavier]

Yeah, I am not in love with the fact that we beat out Toledo for this kid- but as others have said-gotta give Mack a chance first.

[X-band '01]

Shocked this kid didn't go to Toledo.

We can always bring Packo's to Cincy to make him feel welcome. Oh wait...

[Miller'sTale]

This guy come out of nowhere or what???

Power forward
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston

* Ht:6'8"
* Wt:200 lbs
* Class:2011 (High School)

http://twitter.com/JamesFarr30

Class of 2011, but will play prep ball for one year and join our Muskies in the fall of 2012.

[danaandvictory]

I trust Mack a lot, but this concerns me. I do not want someone who may have gone to Toledo instead. I say that, but then again, I back Mack 110 percent, so I will end up loving this recruit. It just concerns me a bit that he could have been going to Toledo instead.

You may want to google "Jamie Farr."

[Masterofreality]

Yeah, I am not in love with the fact that we beat out Toledo for this kid- but as others have said-gotta give Mack a chance first.

Uh, there was another guy like this.

Anybody remember some guy named BJ Raymond?

I think he played a little bit.

Here's my typical off-season recruiting statement:

Rankings suck.

[HuskyMuskie]

Uh, there was another guy like this.

Anybody remember some guy named BJ Raymond?

I think he played a little bit.

Here's my typical off-season recruiting statement:

Rankings suck.

...yet most of us would kill another human being for DSR to recommit. ;)

[xufan02]

I remember another player that grew from 5-11 to 6-10 from his freshman year in high schoool until his senior year, played little to no AAU ball. His name is Anthony Davis and is the #1 overall player in the 2011 class, and likely #1 pick in the NBA draft for 2012. I'm not saying James is going to be Anthony Davis, but James is now 6-9, has a 7-1 wingspan, is a lefty with a skill set of a guard.

James also is not going to be the headliner recruit in the 2012 class, but he could be the recruit with the most potential.

[More Cowbell]

For anyone that subscribes to rivals, had you heard of James Farr?

[Lamont Sanford]

He looks like a smooth lefty with a decent outside shot. Give him a year at prep school to work on his grades, his strength and developing more range on his outside shot. He does remind me some of DBrown being a lefty, but I'm not sure he is as athletic as DBrown was/is. A solid pickup for 2012.

Welcome to the fam!

[_LH]

Yeah, I am not in love with the fact that we beat out Toledo for this kid- but as others have said-gotta give Mack a chance first.

We have beaten out bigger programs for recruits only to have those guys not turn out so great. It is all pretty much a crap shoot.

[Smails]

We did not beat out TOLEDO for him.

Jamie Farr, of MASH fame played a character named Corporal Klinger on the show. His character dressed up as a woman in hopes of getting a discharge as a Section 8...which used to mean mentally unstable.

Klinger, played by Jamie Farr was from Toledo and oftern referred to the Mudhens during the show. Are we clear?

[XUglow]

We did not beat out TOLEDO for him.

Jamie Farr, of MASH fame played a character named Corporal Klinger on the show. His character dressed up as a woman in hopes of getting a discharge as a Section 8...which used to mean mentally unstable.

Klinger, played by Jamie Farr was from Toledo and oftern referred to the Mudhens during the show. Are we clear?

Let's hope Klinger works out better than...

http://crujonessociety.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/039_8514charles-bronson-posters.jpg

[Muskied]

We did not beat out TOLEDO for him.

Jamie Farr, of MASH fame played a character named Corporal Klinger on the show. His character dressed up as a woman in hopes of getting a discharge as a Section 8...which used to mean mentally unstable.

Klinger, played by Jamie Farr was from Toledo and oftern referred to the Mudhens during the show. Are we clear?

Crystal

One last question, before I call
Titanman04 and Masterofreality.

If you ordered that James Farr wasn't to be mocked, and your orders are always followed, then why is there a picture of Klinger on this thread? Why would it be necessary to explain that Xavier doesn't recruit against Toledo?

[GoMuskies]

We did not beat out TOLEDO for him.

Jamie Farr, of MASH fame played a character named Corporal Klinger on the show. His character dressed up as a woman in hopes of getting a discharge as a Section 8...which used to mean mentally unstable.

Klinger, played by Jamie Farr was from Toledo and oftern referred to the Mudhens during the show. Are we clear?

I find it incredibly disappointing that this explanation was necessary. I must be getting old.

[Titanxman04]

It's always cool to add Musketeers, Bearcat beaters, A10 authorities, Tournament veterans. Welcome!

Reps.


Crystal

One last question, before I call
Titanman04 and Masterofreality.

If you ordered that James Farr wasn't to be mocked, and your orders are always followed, then why is there a picture of Klinger on this thread? Why would it be necessary to explain that Xavier doesn't recruit against Toledo?

Don't know why I am an authority that you would call, unless you have a particular question in terms of facial hair grooming... (which the answer always is, grow it out).

I'm glad we have this kid and I'll trust Mack and Co. until evidence proves not to. I think X has a reputation of going out and finding those diamonds in the rough. Its our specialty and I look forward to seeing how this kid can develop in four years.

As for Jamie Farr... I feel he's a great American and that I need to get in good with the fella. He's from Toledo (as am I), and seeing as there is an LPGA even in his name every year, maybe he can get me in with Natalie Gulbis...
http://www.sports-wired.com/women/img/natalie_gulbis/wos74.jpg
YOWZA!

[Smails]

I find it incredibly disappointing that this explanation was necessary. I must be getting old.

I'm 37 and explaining that made me feel old...

[Mrs. Garrett]

I'm just happy to see X getting involved in the Chicago recruiting scene again.

[Jumpy]

The cutoff must be somewhere around 35 because I'm 33 and had no idea who Jamie Farr was.

[powerofX]

The cutoff must be somewhere around 35 because I'm 33 and had no idea who Jamie Farr was.

I'm 33 and I knew! Then again, I watched a ton of MASH at my grandparent's house growing up!

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Does anyone know how tall is Farr? I've seen quotes of 6'7" to 6'10".

[X-band '01]

I'm 32 and I've got all the M*A*S*H episodes on DVD.

Titan - I hope they keep the Jamie Farr Classic - I've heard rumblings that the event may be on the LPGA's endangered list.

[bobbiemcgee]

No mock - Jamie has raised millions amd millions for children's charities over the years with his tournament. They have 1200 volunteers. He's a great American!

[msj61]

For anyone that subscribes to rivals, had you heard of James Farr?

Yeah, started hearing Farr's name after he took the unofficial visit back in February. Rick has mentioned Farr a number of times since then, including his latest AFO report a couple weeks back.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Grew like 10 inches in High School, sounds like Gordon Hayward or Anthony Davis.

[waggy]

I think the kid looks good, and has a bunch of potential.

[Jumpy]

Welcome to Xavier, James.

[Muskie1995]

Does anyone know how tall is Farr? I've seen quotes of 6'7" to 6'10".

Accroding to Rick Broering of MusketeerScoop.com (Rivals), Farr is 6' 8 1/2"

[blobfan]

I'm 33 and I knew! Then again, I watched a ton of MASH at my grandparent's house growing up!

Your Grandparents house?!? THAT makes me feel old, and I've only got a few years on you.

Grandparents!!!

[FIGHTING MUSKETEER]

I'm a little dissapointed to see sooo many "I trust Mack, but..." comments. I'm well aware everyone has a right to submit their respectful opinions. I just want to say I trust Mack with no but's nor if's. Take a look at our teams that went beyond the first weekend of the NCAA and look at the quality players we had and developed that were not considered 4 or 5 stars by the "experts" when they were recruited. And I'm no expert but I believe that the essence of the Xavier way is to get good players that want to stay until graduation, develop them along the way and have them play for the team and as a team. Nothing against 4/5 stars, but more often than not those players are usually looking too much into playing at the next level before even stepping on a college basketball court.

[waggy]

I'm a little dissapointed to see sooo many "I trust Mack, but..." comments.

Totally agree. Winning recruit rankings is a little like winning the internet, or in the case of dayton, winning the offseason.

[Steve A]

To tag along to the previous posts on the subject of "I can't believe we only beat Toledo for this kid....."

Who'd we beat out for David West again? I love the BJ Raymond comment earlier as well.

[1757Williams]

Grew like 10 inches in High School, sounds like Gordon Hayward or Anthony Davis.

Don't want anyone that reminds me of the rat that is Gordon Hayward.

[Backyard Champ]

To tag along to the previous posts on the subject of "I can't believe we only beat Toledo for this kid....."

Who'd we beat out for David West again? I love the BJ Raymond comment earlier as well.

I don't know, I suppose you have a point, but I feel like the program is at different levels. I don't remember much on the specific recruitment of David West, but I do think we are past the "get the unheard of/unranked guy and make him a star" stage. Then again, not everyone can be a huge recruit, at least not yet.

I love the fact that X has gotten diamond in the rough guys and made them stars, it shows how good the coaches are at developing players. I just would prefer getting highly ranked players and developing them instead. I think we are at the point where we can do that. It is true that rankings can be a crap-shoot though, so you never know.

[Backyard Champ]

Don't want anyone that reminds me of the rat that is Gordon Hayward.

Gordon Hayward was in absolute stud. It pains me to say it because he played for Butler, but he was really good. I would love to have someone like that on X's team.

[waggy]

I don't know, I suppose you have a point, but I feel like the program is at different levels. I don't remember much on the specific recruitment of David West, but I do think we are past the "get the unheard of/unranked guy and make him a star" stage. Then again, not everyone can be a huge recruit, at least not yet.

I love the fact that X has gotten diamond in the rough guys and made them stars, it shows how good the coaches are at developing players. I just would prefer getting highly ranked players and developing them instead. I think we are at the point where we can do that. It is true that rankings can be a crap-shoot though, so you never know.

Power forwards and centers are a little different animal. Kenny is the only highly ranked recruit I can think of, and it took him two years to develop. All our frontcourt greats were under the radar, and/or development projects. So we may be at a "different level", except for the fact there is zero history of it.

[Backyard Champ]

Power forwards and centers are a little different animal. Kenny is the only highly ranked recruit I can think of, and it took him two years to develop. All our frontcourt greats were under the radar, and/or development projects. So we may be at a "different level", except for the fact there is zero history of it.

I feel like our recruiting has significantly improved, don't you?

[waggy]

I feel like our recruiting has significantly improved, don't you?

Hard to answer. If so, I think it would actually be in the backcourt. Where would Grant, Hill, or West rank in hindsight? Those are great players and it would be hard to find better ones. So while our rankings might be higher, are the players actually better ones? Recruiting has changed.

[Backyard Champ]

Hard to answer. If so, I think it would actually be in the backcourt. Where would Grant, Hill, or West rank in hindsight? Those are great players and it would be hard to find better ones. So while our rankings might be higher, are the players actually better ones? Recruiting has changed.

I admit I haven't followed recruiting a lot until recently, but I thought those were still diamond in the rough type players? I may be wrong on that though. I would rather take risks on highly ranked players, even if it means we missed a diamond in the rough kind of guy. Obviously the coaches have a better eye for talent, and don't care about recruiting rankings/stars, so this player could turn out to be an absolute stud.

[Steve A]

I guess my thought is.... who cares what Scout or Rivals thinks of these guys? I am worried about where the players rank on Chris Mack's top 150. That's the only "ranking" system I care about. I'd take Jeff Robinson over Churchill Odia any day of the week, even though he wasn't nearly as touted coming out of high school.

If Mack, Steele, Kelsey, etc. think he'll be the next great Musketeer, then welcome to the family James.

[wkrq59]

Reps.
Don't know why I am an authority that you would call, unless you have a particular question in terms of facial hair grooming... (which the answer always is, grow it out).
I'm glad we have this kid and I'll trust Mack and Co. until evidence proves not to. I think X has a reputation of going out and finding those diamonds in the rough. Its our specialty and I look forward to seeing how this kid can develop in four years.
As for Jamie Farr... I feel he's a great American and that I need to get in good with the fella. He's from Toledo (as am I), and seeing as there is an LPGA even in his name every year, maybe he can get me in with Natalie Gulbis...
http://www.sports-wired.com/women/img/natalie_gulbis/wos74.jpg
YOWZA!

Guys, Ben Roethlisberger has already been there and done that for the free golf of course. Besdes, he's a changed man and getting married soon.:D

[bobbiemcgee]

His coach:
“They’ve got a kid whose potential is just scratching the surface,” said Weinstein, who coaches the Rising Stars club team. “As a freshman, he was 5-11. He’s now 6-10. He’s a kid who can really shoot it. He’s long. A couple years from now, you’ll see a very special player.”

How does Gulbis putt? She can't see the ball.

[SixFig]

How does Gulbis putt? She can't see the ball.

Ball related joke in 3...2...1...

[kellernr]

ESPN has him as a ESPNU Super 60 Player

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/2752/class/2012

[SixFig]

ESPN has him as a ESPNU Super 60 Player

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/2752/class/2012

They must have just updated this. Interesting to see this kid going forward.

[Xavier]

Don't want anyone that reminds me of the rat that is Gordon Hayward.

Really? I would love that. I'd be thrilled with a guy who lead his team to the NC game and left school early for the NBA.

[xu15]

They must have just updated this. Interesting to see this kid going forward.

Looks like they're in the process of doing so. ESPN obviously likes Farr, and I like what I've seen. Looks like the X coaches are just ahead of the curve on this one, which is a really good thing.

Sidenote: I don't know what he was before but Dez Wells has moved up to 47th on ESPN's 2011 list.

[SixFig]

Really? I would love that. I'd be thrilled with a guy who lead his team to the NC game and left school early for the NBA.

Not me. I'd be thrilled only with a guy who WINS the NC game :)

[XUFan09]

I don't know, I suppose you have a point, but I feel like the program is at different levels. I don't remember much on the specific recruitment of David West, but I do think we are past the "get the unheard of/unranked guy and make him a star" stage. Then again, not everyone can be a huge recruit, at least not yet.

I love the fact that X has gotten diamond in the rough guys and made them stars, it shows how good the coaches are at developing players. I just would prefer getting highly ranked players and developing them instead. I think we are at the point where we can do that. It is true that rankings can be a crap-shoot though, so you never know.

I think this is the key point, especially since Farr looks better than simply an unranked player from the videos I've seen. He apparently hasn't played a lot of AAU ball, where recruiting sites mine a lot of the info for ratings players. Even some time off from AAU ball can hurt a player's rating. For example, Dee Davis didn't do AAU ball last summer; on Rivals I think he was #63 before the summer but unranked after. It was no coincidence.

[XUFan09]

ESPN has him as a ESPNU Super 60 Player

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/2752/class/2012

I'm pretty sure just yesterday he was a two star on ESPN lol.

[HuskyMuskie]

I'm pretty sure just yesterday he was a two star on ESPN lol.

And Dez Wells would be a 6 star on Rivals, 103 Grade on ESPN, Lebron James and Dwight Howard hybrid, second coming of Christ if he didn't commit to Xavier. Let's just get used to the rankings horse hockey.

[nkymuskie]

I'm pretty sure just yesterday he was a two star on ESPN lol.

Yeah they just updated him yesterday when he just committed he was an 83 and a 2 star.
This was posted earlier in the thread but here is his old profile

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/110969/james-farr

Funny what a commitment to a good school and 24 hours can do to your rating

Edit: it also moved him from class of 2011 to class of 2012 along with changing his height to 6'10". That's one heck of a growth spurt (2 inches in 24 hours).

[HuskyMuskie]

Yeah they just updated him yesterday when he just committed he was an 83 and a 2 star.
This was posted earlier in the thread but here is his old profile

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/110969/james-farr

Funny what a commitment to a good school and 24 hours can do to your rating

Edit: it also moved him from class of 2011 to class of 2012 along with changing his height to 6'10". That's one heck of a growth spurt (2 inches in 24 hours).


I would have a growth spurt of about five inches in 10 seconds if DSR recommited tomorrow.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

I would have a growth spurt of about five inches in 10 seconds if DSR recommited tomorrow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0PIdWdw15U Written reps since I am not allowed

[XUFan09]

And Dez Wells would be a 6 star on Rivals, 103 Grade on ESPN, Lebron James and Dwight Howard hybrid, second coming of Christ if he didn't commit to Xavier. Let's just get used to the rankings horse hockey.

Yeah, I just thought it was funny to see the swing the other way. Ball State, Loyola-Chicago...oh, Xavier accepted his commitment. Never mind, he must be better than we thought! Honestly though, I did think the 83 grade was rather weak. The kid at least has the skills of a solid 3-star but flew completely under the radar until Xavier grabbed him.

[Titanxman04]

I would have a growth spurt of about five inches in 10 seconds if DSR recommited tomorrow.

Reps. Well played.

[xufan02]

James does not play AAU ball. I'm not sure any of the national recruiting guys have seen him play. I'm interested to hear what they say once he is evaluated.

[phonyposter]

And Dez Wells would be a 6 star on Rivals, 103 Grade on ESPN, Lebron James and Dwight Howard hybrid, second coming of Christ if he didn't commit to Xavier. Let's just get used to the rankings horse hockey.

what?

[Steve A]

ESPN has him as a ESPNU Super 60 Player

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/school/_/id/2752/class/2012

I know it has the Super 60 graphic next to his name, but if you click on the actual Super 60 link, I don't see his name.

[HuskyMuskie]

And Dez Wells would be a 6 star on Rivals, 103 Grade on ESPN, Lebron James and Dwight Howard hybrid, second coming of Christ if he didn't commit to Xavier. Let's just get used to the rankings horse hockey.



what?

It's an exaggeration, friend. We use those around here. Quality first post, though.

Welcome to the board.

P.S. Nice stolen signature, by the way :D

[waggy]

A grade of 89 doesn't equate to super 60 if last years rankings are any indication.

[SixFig]

I would have a growth spurt of about five inches in 10 seconds if DSR recommited tomorrow.

That would leave Rick Pitino 5 seconds to finish the job.

[phonyposter]

It's an exaggeration, friend. We use those around here. Quality first post, though.

Welcome to the board.

P.S. Nice stolen signature, by the way :D

Learned from the best :D :logo:

[HuskyMuskie]

Man this is gonna get old really quick.

[xu15]

I'm hoping that Farr is 6'10 like I've seen in some recent reports and not 6'8, or at least he ends up at 6'10 when he comes to Xavier. He could be a Jajuan Johnson type player. With his mid range game, that's who comes to mind

[XUFan09]

James does not play AAU ball. I'm not sure any of the national recruiting guys have seen him play. I'm interested to hear what they say once he is evaluated.

That's what I thought. I don't particularly care if he's a diamond-in-the-rough or a super 60 player, as those are determined by very imperfect and limited rankings. I do not, however, mean to detract anything from our players who have received props, like Wells and Davis in the final top 100. But, if Mack deemed him worthy of a scholarship, then he probably saw what the limited-in-scope recruiting services never got around to really evaluating.

You can't simply rely on organizations with relatively limited resources to judge all players worth recruiting. If Rivals and Scout could do a thorough evaluation of every potential D1 recruit (basically taking an in-depth look at nearly every high school team in America), it might be different. That "diamond-in-the-rough" could very well be a top 30 player if scouts really took time to evaluate him (which is what scouts belatedly got around to doing with Otto Porter). Because of these issues, I just care about how good he actually is, which maybe we'll see evaluated by recruiting services now that he's committed to a big-name program. More than anything though, we'll see it at Xavier, so I hope to hear him tearing it up this next year in prep school in preparation for that.

[DoubleD86]

You can't simply rely on organizations with relatively limited resources to judge all players worth recruiting. If Rivals and Scout could do a thorough evaluation of every potential D1 recruit (basically taking an in-depth look at nearly every high school team in America), it might be different. That "diamond-in-the-rough" could very well be a top 30 player if scouts really took time to evaluate him (which is what scouts belatedly got around to doing with Otto Porter). Because of these issues, I just care about how good he actually is, which maybe we'll see evaluated by recruiting services now that he's committed to a big-name program. More than anything though, we'll see it at Xavier, so I hope to hear him tearing it up this next year in prep school in preparation for that.

I understand this view, which is why along with rankings I use another big barometer: offers.

Unfortunately, Farr's offer list is very underwhelming. I know IU was starting to get involved, but I am in the camp of finding this odd/underwhelming. That being said, I know very little about this kid and will absolutely give Mack and Steele the benefit of the doubt. However, I find it a little odd that every time X gets a low ranked player, we bemoan the ranking system and act as if there is no validity to it, and yet when we get a higher ranked kid it shows X is on the next level. More so, the lack of big time programs at the level that Xavier is offering this kid worries me. While Rivals may not get in depth chances for every D1 prospect, rarely do these undervalued guys also get missed by every major program.

That being said, I like what I see from the videos (I know, not a great source) and the few reports I have read are positive. Also, I trust our staff completely and they had to like the kid a lot to take a 2012 commit this early with all the other options out there.

Welcome to the X family James!

[EternalLife]

I'm hoping that Farr is 6'10 like I've seen in some recent reports and not 6'8, or at least he ends up at 6'10 when he comes to Xavier. He could be a Jajuan Johnson type player. With his mid range game, that's who comes to mind

As long as he's adding functional depth, a 6'8 player who can post up or down and has a J is an asset. I don't want a 7' + stiff who can't help.

[Benxman]

It's really hard to tell much about these kids from the write-ups. One article has him at 6'7", another 6'8", and yet another, 6'10". Remember the '89-'90 sweet sixteen team. It had Tyrone Hill (future NBA), Derrick Smart (future NBA), and Aaron Williams (future NBAI). All three lasted 10+ years in the NBA, and who would have thought? I kind of like the way Chris is loading up on 'future NBA' power forwards. After all, isn't that why we are called Power Forward University? :)

This kid looks like a diamond in the rough.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[bigdiggins]

It's really hard to tell much about these kids from the write-ups. One article has him at 6'7", another 6'8", and yet another, 6'10". Remember the '89-'90 sweet sixteen team. It had Tyrone Hill (future NBA), Derrick Smart (future NBA), and Aaron Williams (future NBAI). All three lasted 10+ years in the NBA, and who would have thought? I kind of like the way Chris is loading up on 'future NBA' power forwards. After all, isn't that why we are called Power Forward University? :)

This kid looks like a diamond in the rough.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

Or Derek Strong, I'm pretty sure one of the two was on that squad.

[boozehound]

At first this wasn't a terribly exciting signing due to recruit rankings, but I think that having at least 1 big who can shoot can be a very good thing. There is a lot of upside here. A lot of our guards aren't lights-out shooters so it would be nice to have some forwards that can stretch the floor a little bit as well.

One of the things I like best about the early Miller teams was the amount of shooting we had on the floor at all times with Duncan and Doellman. It really made us tough to defend.

[muskiefan82]

It's really hard to tell much about these kids from the write-ups. One article has him at 6'7", another 6'8", and yet another, 6'10". Remember the '89-'90 sweet sixteen team. It had Tyrone Hill (future NBA), Derrick Smart (future NBA), and Aaron Williams (future NBAI). All three lasted 10+ years in the NBA, and who would have thought? I kind of like the way Chris is loading up on 'future NBA' power forwards. After all, isn't that why we are called Power Forward University? :)

This kid looks like a diamond in the rough.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

Derrick Smart? Really? Come on.

[Madfan]

Welcome to James! What a great addition to the family!:shield:

[XUFan09]

I understand this view, which is why along with rankings I use another big barometer: offers.

I like that alternative too, but the problem is that it's not mutually exclusive from the recruiting services, since their people and D1 teams are often getting the same information ("This kid is good," "You might want to check out this kid," "This game should offer looks at a number of prospects"). The fact that he didn't play much AAU ball would make him hard to spot for everyone, since everyone devotes a lot of time to those venues. IU apparently caught wind of him, but it was too late in the process for them to get seriously involved.

[DoubleD86]

I like that alternative too, but the problem is that it's not mutually exclusive from the recruiting services, since their people and D1 teams are often getting the same information ("This kid is good," "You might want to check out this kid," "This game should offer looks at a number of prospects"). The fact that he didn't play much AAU ball would make him hard to spot for everyone, since everyone devotes a lot of time to those venues. IU apparently caught wind of him, but it was too late in the process for them to get seriously involved.

I understand that, but what about Depaul, Northwestern, ND, Purdue, or Illinois? This kid is basically in all of their backgrounds and yet didn't get any attention. I am not trying to rag on him, just what I noticed and my initial reaction. However, Rick at Rivals gave his insight on why he wasn't highly recruited and why that could have changed had he not committed.

As I said, I trust Mack and Steele, and have nothing but high hopes for Farr.

[madness31]

The reason so many schools missed this kid likely has a lot to do with how much he has grown over the past few years. It is likely it will take him time to get completely use to his body. The extra year at prep should make him more desireable as teams don't have to waste a scholarship on him as he develops for a year or two.

I only saw the one clip of him but from that I doubt he deserves to be ranked in the top 100 or even top 150. He does however have real potential given his nice stroke at his height. He should have better handles than most guys his size and be a bit smoother all around. This is somewhat a gamble but the extra year at prep school greatly increase the odds of it paying off. My guess is that he does contribute his final 2 years at X and possibly as a sophomore. Good gamble in my book.

[XUFan09]

The reason so many schools missed this kid likely has a lot to do with how much he has grown over the past few years. It is likely it will take him time to get completely use to his body. The extra year at prep should make him more desireable as teams don't have to waste a scholarship on him as he develops for a year or two.

I only saw the one clip of him but from that I doubt he deserves to be ranked in the top 100 or even top 150. He does however have real potential given his nice stroke at his height. He should have better handles than most guys his size and be a bit smoother all around. This is somewhat a gamble but the extra year at prep school greatly increase the odds of it paying off. My guess is that he does contribute his final 2 years at X and possibly as a sophomore. Good gamble in my book.

Good call, in my opinion. Ranking-wise, I'd probably put him as a three star. He could jump up in the rankings this next year in prep school (which would be awesome, to see big improvements from him before enrolling at X), but that remains to be seen. When he's a sophomore, Reynolds will be a junior and McKenzie a senior. Assuming no transfers or big-time recruits at his position, I could definitely see him getting some minutes then as a reliable reserve.

[SixFig]

To add to all the examples of late bloomers, I submit our own Jordan Crawford. Going into his year at Prep school no one paid much attention to him. Xavier, however, was on him early and offered. As he exploded (eventually became a top 100, 4 star recruit) others jumped in and eventually IU grabbed him.

No matter what, I believe he will fit right in with our offense, which revolves around the high screen. With his mobility and pick-and-pop ability out to about 12 feet, he could be a weapon right away.

[bobbiemcgee]

It's really hard to tell much about these kids from the write-ups. One article has him at 6'7", another 6'8", and yet another, 6'10". Remember the '89-'90 sweet sixteen team. It had Tyrone Hill (future NBA), Derrick Smart (future NBA), and Aaron Williams (future NBAI). All three lasted 10+ years in the NBA, and who would have thought? I kind of like the way Chris is loading up on 'future NBA' power forwards. After all, isn't that why we are called Power Forward University? :)

This kid looks like a diamond in the rough.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

Next article will have him @ 7'1"

[PMI]

For what it's worth, Rick from Rivals says Farr is 6'8.5" with a 7'1" wingspan. He's young and has already grown so much in a short period of time, so there's obviously a chance he'll keep growing.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just remember most of these websites spend little to no time, energy, and money scouting kid sat the High School level. They devote resources to finding talent at the AAU circuit. If this kid really didn't spend much time playing AAU ball he will fly under the radar.

On the other hand, AAU is great for playing higher talent level kids day in day out. It's really give and take there.

[XUFan09]

I think he may have just recently joined the AAU team, called " Rising Stars."

Sounds like one of those AAU teams that actually includes player development, with their training sessions. Should be good for him

http://www.joyofthegame.com/RisingStars/risingstars.html

[SixFig]

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5052/78713327.jpg

[More Cowbell]

Any chance Farr reclassifies to 2011? I believe he has already graduated high school and Xavier has an open scholarship.

[ThePowerOfX]

Any chance Farr reclassifies to 2011? I believe he has already graduated high school and Xavier has an open scholarship.

I think technically he is 2011 and is reclassifying to 2012. He is going to a prep school next year, not sure if there is a grades issue or what is causing the reclassification.

That being said, I will be surprised if Buhllar is not wearing a Xavier jumpsuit and sitting at the end of the bench next year taking up that final scholarship. No inside info, just a hunch on my part.

[SixFig]

I think the Xavier coaching staff is still looking for late signings, that's why we haven't seen any movement on the Farr/Bhullar front

[ThePowerOfX]

I think the Xavier coaching staff is still looking for late signings, that's why we haven't seen any movement on the Farr/Bhullar front

Exactly, I think they are still in the hunt for the Graduate PF from Vandy (cant think of his name off the top of my head), if they dont get him I expect to hear something on the Sim front. I think Sim before Farr simply based on we know it has already been discussed and his credits are 100% ready to go.

[XUFan09]

Exactly, I think they are still in the hunt for the Graduate PF from Vandy (cant think of his name off the top of my head), if they dont get him I expect to hear something on the Sim front. I think Sim before Farr simply based on we know it has already been discussed and his credits are 100% ready to go.

Andre Walker at Vandy.

[Xavgrad08]

Here are some short highlights of Farr from a recent Adidas event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ani2j2iCTRI

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Here are some short highlights of Farr from a recent Adidas event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ani2j2iCTRI

Giggity

[Benxman]

Any word on whether Farr is signing his letter of intent?
Is letter signing day today, 11/08/11 or tomorrow, 11/09/11?

Go James Farr!
&
GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[MADXSTER]

Any word on whether Farr is signing his letter of intent?
Is letter signing day today, 11/08/11 or tomorrow, 11/09/11?

Go James Farr!
&
GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

Ummm....today is the 9th. Signing day is today...the 9th. :)

[Benxman]

Ummm....today is the 9th. Signing day is today...the 9th. :)

:o OOPS!!! So it is! :rolleyes:

Go MADXSTER!
&
GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[XU-PA]

For anyone north of normal civilization, like myself.
Farr is prepping at MCI (I think Lenny Brown spent his prep year up here) in Pittsfield Maine.
His home debut here is tomorrow, 11/13 at MCI at 1pm vs Winchendon.
They travel to the National Prep Showcase next weekend, then return for the MCI Classic on 12/3 and 4.

http://www.mci-school.org/page.cfm?p=385&display=0&teamID=32&event=248

[XU-PA]

Watched Farr play this evening, in Pittsfield Maine. Really, Pittsfield.
Anyway, he appears to me to be the real deal. On first glance he'll remind you of a cross between Posey and D. Brown. 6'9", very long and very calm looking. he's a lefty, has a nice soft jumper and was hitting in warmups pretty much anywhere inside the arc.
Dunked just once in warmups, and it was very obvious that it takes him to effort to get chin at the rim high. Very athletic, very very athletic.
He got a slow start, 2 fouls kept him on the bench most of the 1st half, but he had 7 points I think and a handful of boards.
Second half he took his game a few notches up. In a couple minutes span about halfway through he had 3 blocks, a couple boards, a dunk, a steal and a soft jumper from the free throw line, had the crowd on fire.
Not sure how he ended up in MCI Prep in Pittsfield, he'll see some pretty good competition, and the coaching staff there is ok. The only think that was obvious that he needed was some bulk, to get to the Xavier level he'll need time in the weight room,

Other than that,,,,,, I can't wait to see him on the Cintas Center floor!

[XU-PA]

Didn't stick around in Maine long enough to get another look at Mr Farr, but a friend tells me his game against Lee Academy last week showed a whole other facet to his game, he dished out about a dozen assists, running the top of their give and go.

Really looking forward to seeing him on the Cintas floor next year, he's an awesome player!

[GoMuskies]

Is Max Good still up at Maine Central? He was a pretty solid coach at EKU back in the day.

[flatspat]

Is Max Good still up at Maine Central? He was a pretty solid coach at EKU back in the day.

Max Good is head coach at Loyola Marymount.

[muskienick]

Max Good is head coach at Loyola Marymount.

I thought James Farr was a solid commitment (not just a verbal).

[GoMuskies]

Max Good (former MCI head coach) being head coach at LMU and James Farr's signing with Xavier are completely unrelated.

[Xavier Nation]

Well, this season has turned in the worst way it possibly could have.....never too early to start looking at the future of Xavier basketball. James Farr, I believe, is one of the more underrated players in Xavier's 2012 recruiting class. He reminds me of a mixture between CJ and McLean. Xavier will need a solid power forward for the future, and I believe that James may be able to fill that hole. James was nice enough to answer a couple of questions for me. Hope you enjoy.

http://recruitsnationwide.com/xavier-commit-james-farr/

[XURunner85]

First, he is from Evanston, Illinois........

[Xavier Nation]

What do you mean?

[Xavier Nation]

He used to play for Evanston now plays for Maine Central.
http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=618:69-xavier-bound-former-evanston-township-star-james-farr-to-attend-maine-central-institute-for-a-postgraduate-season&catid=35:news

[XURunner85]

He played high school ball at Evanston High School in Evanston, Il. Or do I have him mixed up with another recruit coming next year???

[Xavier Nation]

He played high school ball at Evanston High School in Evanston, Il. Or do I have him mixed up with another recruit coming next year???

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure he used to play at Evanston and now plays for Maine Central. It is weird though because ESPN says he plays for Maine Central and Rivals says he plays for Evanston.

[xu15]

Just an fyi, Myles Davis is spelled with a Y and not an I.

(I'm really excited to get that kid by the way).

[Xavier Nation]

Sorry, my partner changed that....and yes huge get. Lights out shooter

[XURunner85]

I like all our recruits and cannot wait until they get on campus this summer....

[xufan02]

Your article says Evansville, IL. That is the confusion.

[Xavier Nation]

Yeah. You are right. I fixed it for clarity.

[XU-PA]

He played at MCI in Pittsfield Maine, which is where Lenny Brown played, this season for his prep year.

Got to see him a couple months ago, early in the season. Physically he will remind you of Derrick Brown, very very long, but has the kind of physique that can be built much much stronger. The game I saw he got into some foul trouble early and sat most of the 1st half, but once the second half started he really established his dominance. Controlled the boards, and showed he had a shot from pretty much anywhere inside the arc. Underneath he plays well above the rim, favoring the throw down over any kind of shot. Certainly has the strength to compete at the 4 for XU next year. As I recall he lists at 6'9" and that's not a stretch, he is a big big man.

The announcer up there stays in touch (i moved out of Maine shortly after that game) saysn he has really stepped up his game, final home game he was the man everywhere, assist machine with maybe 10, able to handle the ball in the half court, controlling the boards with about a dozen, and ended up with 33 points.

This guy will be a real asset to the team.

This is a good video to watch, in white MCI with James Farr, in blue Brewster academy with Semaj Chirston and Jalen Reynolds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRxQuSKtGA

[boozehound]

Farr looks a little overweight in that picture, but I can't tell if it is just the baggy uniform.

Either way it looks like he has the frame to pack on some muscle.

James Farr and Jalen Reynolds are really coming into a pretty solid situation for big men. They will have some good (albeit young) talent around them and they will have the chance to compete for minutes early. That could also pay dividends for Xavier in a few years assuming that they put in the work and develop as players.