Cole Swider SF

[bobbiemcgee]

Looks like an epic BE battle looming with this guy:

http://247sports.com/Player/Cole-Swider-93593

[MADXSTER]

Would love to get him but I just have a hard time seeing him leave the East Coast

[xu82]

Would love to get him but I just have a hard time seeing him leave the East Coast

What does 24/7 Sports base this on? They have him as 100% to X, which is...... a lot.

[bobbiemcgee]

"Swider has yet to take an official visit, but has been to all of the schools on his list except for Indiana and Michigan.
Which schools are recruiting him the hardest?
“Xavier has probably worked the hardest over time,” Swider said. “Villanova has been picking it up as of late. Providence has been recruiting me hard. All the schools have been recruiting me pretty hard this year, I just got to do what is best for me.”
Swider said Xavier has been persistent and genuine in their pursuit.
“They text me and call me every single night,” Swider said. “They call my grandma. They call my grandfather. They make sure they know every single person in my family and everyone who will be involved in my decision. I feel like they care about me as a person so I feel like they have done a good job with that.”
Like Xavier, Providence has been heavily recruiting Swider for a long time. Because of their location Swider said he’s been by the Friars campus more than any of the other schools on his list.
“They want me to be the hometown hero,” Swider said. “So obviously, if I stay home it’s going to be Providence so that’s the only school that’s even on my list so that’s the draw there.”

Man, I do love how Mack recruits. Maybe he can have Bill Murray call.

Full article:

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1778124-eybl-cole-swider-talks-list-process

[AviatorX]

Had a huge spring. Became a big time priority of Archie over at IU as well. Will be a real battle but X was in early and often as is apparent from his quotes.

Definitely looks like a guy that would score (give or take) 500 career points on X if he went to Nova.

[XMuskieFTW]

What does 24/7 Sports base this on? They have him as 100% to X, which is...... a lot.

That's based on one "expert." 247 crystal ball is fairly garbage. Usually it consists of some "expert" guessing a school and then a bunch of other people guessing the same school thinking the other guy has inside info. I wouldn't think anything of what it says.

[casualfan]

keep an eye on Duke.

I've been told they are sniffing around and that he really like them.

If they don't offer I really like our chances.

[GoMuskies]

He's now 100% to Dook based on "experts", but all three who have made their predictions are writers for the Devil's Den.

[casualfan]

He's now 100% to Dook based on "experts", but all three who have made their predictions are writers for the Devil's Den.

Of all the crap those sites have put out to try and drive clicks the crystal ball is by a wide margin the worst.

In this case you have a kid Duke hasn't even decided if they want or not yet and people are jumping all over it.

My hope/guess is that they end up passing, but I was told they will bring him in for a visit soon so maybe their interest is legit.

[MuskieXU]

Swider is taking an unofficial visit to Duke this week, but Duke still hasn't offered him. If they do, it seems like they would be the frontrunner. If not, Xavier is still in the lead.

[GIMMFD]

Even though it's very hard to say no to Duke, I still like our chances, we were in early, and we built a good relationship. People have said no to Duke before, and our program is on the rise.

[MuskieXU]

Even though it's very hard to say no to Duke, I still like our chances, we were in early, and we built a good relationship. People have said no to Duke before, and our program is on the rise.

Agreed. Not to mention, Duke has been known to recruit over people and Coach K isnt known for playing a deep bench. He could go to Duke and never get more than 10 minutes a game regardless of how good he is like Semi Ojeleye.

[XU3232]

I'm pretty sure he has stated that his dream school is Duke... I think if they offer he is going there unfortunately.

[Muskie]

Read somewhere that Duke is his dream school. Don't know if that means Duke will offer or not.

[AviatorX]

Kids will wait forever on Duke. Understandly so. Can't imagine too many out there who would choose to play ball at Xavier over Duke.

Check out the 2017 recruitment of Jordan Tucker.

[casualfan]

He is up to 69 in the updated scout top 100 this morning.

[GIMMFD]

He is up to 69 in the updated scout top 100 this morning.

That's what happens when Duke shows interest.

[XMuskieFTW]

He is up to 69 in the updated scout top 100 this morning.

nice.

[mohr5150]

A friend of mine ran into this kid a few months ago at a hotel in Indy for a basketball tourney. She had no idea who he was and he didn't know she went to X. She asked him if he had any offers and immediately started talking about X. He was very excited about the prospects of going there. When my friend told him she was from X, he got really excited and asked her a bunch of questions. She said he was a very impressive young man. She went to watch him play and spoke with his mother about X. It was a really cool experience for her, and she got very, very good vibes about his prospects for coming to X.

[AviatorX]

Duke offered. Could be all she wrote.

[xu82]

A friend of mine ran into this kid a few months ago at a hotel in Indy for a basketball tourney. She had no idea who he was and he didn't know she went to X. She asked him if he had any offers and immediately started talking about X. He was very excited about the prospects of going there. When my friend told him she was from X, he got really excited and asked her a bunch of questions. She said he was a very impressive young man. She went to watch him play and spoke with his mother about X. It was a really cool experience for her, and she got very, very good vibes about his prospects for coming to X.


....and then, Duke offered....

MANY reasons we could still be the best fit.

[GIMMFD]

....and then, Duke offered....

MANY reasons we could still be the best fit.

Let's hope he doesn't jump on it immediately, and that Duke recruits over him or something. I love that story about hearing that he's excited about X.

[casualfan]

Good news:

http://www.zagsblog.com/2017/06/18/cole-swider-cuts-four-plans-visits/

[Emp]

Good news:

http://www.zagsblog.com/2017/06/18/cole-swider-cuts-four-plans-visits/

That's pretty heady company. Chip on his shoulder.....please, introduce him to JP on that official visit.

[MADXSTER]

Cole Swider = next Trevon Bluiett

[sirthought]

This kid has X all over him for sure!

[casualfan]

Been told good news is likely coming in short order.

Fingers crossed.

[XMuskieFTW]

Been told good news is likely coming in short order.

Fingers crossed.

Don't tease us like that!

[casualfan]

Don't tease us like that!

All I can add is that it doesn't sound like the Nova visit will happen.

I assume everybody knows he visited Syracuse late last week, Duke over the weekend and is currently on his Xavier trip.

[XMuskieFTW]

All I can add is that it doesn't sound like the Nova visit will happen.

I assume everybody knows he visited Syracuse late last week, Duke over the weekend and is currently on his Xavier trip.

Yea I never expected Nova to happen. Figured we are the most likely landing spot unless Duke blew him away and that a commitment would probably come pretty quickly after these 3 visits wherever it may be. Hoping that's the case.

[xu82]

Getting great players always thrills me. Getting them over Duke? No words.....

Fingers crossed!!!

(Pompous is not my thing...)

[drudy23]

Been told good news is likely coming in short order.

Fingers crossed.

And there's the kiss of death.

Just watched his tape..doesn't look overly athletic, but seems to have the JP chip on his shoulder. He's got some good size.

[AviatorX]

And there's the kiss of death.

Just watched his tape..doesn't look overly athletic, but seems to have the JP chip on his shoulder. He's got some good size.

Outside of the obvious lottery picks in the 2018 draft, Swider was arguably the best player on the spring AAU circuit. He shot the ball at an insane rate both in the EYBL and at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp. Just has a beautiful stroke. He should have no issue guarding opposing 4's and can definitely put some more muscle on in a college weight room. I have little doubt he'll be an impact high major player.

[bleedXblue]

6 '8 ' with that kind of stroke and range? Yeah he would be a really nice addition

[GIMMFD]

Outside of the obvious lottery picks in the 2018 draft, Swider was arguably the best player on the spring AAU circuit. He shot the ball at an insane rate both in the EYBL and at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp. Just has a beautiful stroke. He should have no issue guarding opposing 4's and can definitely put some more muscle on in a college weight room. I have little doubt he'll be an impact high major player.


And there's the kiss of death.

Just watched his tape..doesn't look overly athletic, but seems to have the JP chip on his shoulder. He's got some good size.


These two comments seem a little contradictory, and now I'm just very confused what to think other than he's a pure shooter.

[xu82]

These two comments seem a little contradictory, and now I'm just very confused what to think other than he's a pure shooter.

I think he's more than "just" a pure shooter. I know highlights are.....just that, but I liked what I saw. Oh, and I trust our coach more than just a little.

[GIMMFD]

I think he's more than "just" a pure shooter. I know highlights are.....just that, but I liked what I saw. Oh, and I trust our coach more than just a little.

Wait, we aren't trying to fire him??

[X Factor]

3 PT % Leaders at NBPA Top 100 Camp:

1. Cole Swider - 14/25 56%

EFG% Leaders at NBPA Top 100 Camp:

1. Cole Swider - 73.2%

NBPA Top 100 Camp Offensive Ratings Leaders:

1. Cole Swider - 145.5

The kid is 6''8 with an incredible shooting stroke. He is more than a spot up shooter, although he is deadly from deep. Would be a great, great get for X.

[xu82]

Wait, we aren't trying to fire him??

Those folks are in hiding. :-)

[xu82]

3 PT % Leaders at NBPA Top 100 Camp:

1. Cole Swider - 14/25 56%

EFG% Leaders at NBPA Top 100 Camp:

1. Cole Swider - 73.2%

NBPA Top 100 Camp Offensive Ratings Leaders:

1. Cole Swider - 145.5

The kid is 6''8 with an incredible shooting stroke. He is more than a spot up shooter, although he is deadly from deep. Would be a great, great get for X.

He shot 35% on 120 three point shots in AAU season as a high school kid. He will only get better. (Trevon shot about 37% last year.) And he shot about 82% on FT's. This would be a great get.

[XMuskieFTW]

The fact that he led so many offensive categories at the top 100 camp is more than enough for me. Would be thrilled to get him. Would be an amazing start to the 2018 class.

[GIMMFD]

The fact that he led so many offensive categories at the top 100 camp is more than enough for me. Would be thrilled to get him. Would be an amazing start to the 2018 class.

Now I know I'm completely dreaming at this point, but what if we actually get a better class than the one we got this year? This could definitely be a big time step in another monster class. Could cement us in the top 10 for years to come down the road. Granted it won't be down to just Swider, but him showing this much interest really shows how much our program is coming along.. the calm before the storm is amongst us guys.

[xu82]

Now I know I'm completely dreaming at this point, but what if we actually get a better class than the one we got this year? This could definitely be a big time step in another monster class. Could cement us in the top 10 for years to come down the road. Granted it won't be down to just Swider, but him showing this much interest really shows how much our program is coming along.. the calm before the storm is amongst us guys.

The other recruits they are associated with is.......very encouraging. No getting ahead of myself here, but I do love the trend!

[Emp]

Been told good news is likely coming in short order.

Fingers crossed.

Define shortly?

I cannot rationally explain why I'm mildly obsessing about this recruit. He's 17? 18? I follow these threads with interest, but this is a fun one. If Mack pulls this off vs two damn good and famous recruiters, BANG!

Mack beat a late offer from Izzo to keep Trevon. He works so hard.

[xudash]

Define shortly?

I cannot rationally explain why I'm mildly obsessing about this recruit. He's 17? 18? I follow these threads with interest, but this is a fun one. If Mack pulls this off vs two damn good and famous recruiters, BANG!

Mack beat a late offer from Izzo to keep Trevon. He works so hard.

Precisely how I'm looking at it.

Regardless of any specifics involved, I want to beat Duke in this case.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.vuhoops.com/2017/6/26/15876608/villanova-basketball-recruiting-2018-jalen-smith-cole-swider-decisions

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/starting-five-summer-visits-abound

[casualfan]

Define shortly?


Couldn't tell ya. We're dealing with teenagers haha.

I know that if this decision was being made in a vacuum he would have already committed to Duke, but from what i heard they had a pretty honest convo with him on his visit about early PT likely being hard to come by.

I *thinkl* the longer this drags out the more likely it is he ends up at Duke, but all I know for sure is i got a text during his visit that things looked really good for him to commit at the end of his visit.

That obviously didn't happen so now we wait.

[AviatorX]

Couldn't tell ya. We're dealing with teenagers haha.

I know that if this decision was being made in a vacuum he would have already committed to Duke, but from what i heard they had a pretty honest convo with him on his visit about early PT likely being hard to come by.

I *thinkl* the longer this drags out the more likely it is he ends up at Duke, but all I know for sure is i got a text during his visit that things looked really good for him to commit at the end of his visit.

That obviously didn't happen so now we wait.

I have a sneaky feeling the pull of Duke is going to win out here, but it's definitely true that between the revolving door of lottery picks and K's tight rotations, playing time can be really really tough there.

[X-man]

I have a sneaky feeling the pull of Duke is going to win out here, but it's definitely true that between the revolving door of lottery picks and K's tight rotations, playing time can be really really tough there.

I expect it to come down to what other players at his position are coming to Duke vs X, and the implications for PT.

[drudy23]

I cannot rationally explain why I'm mildly obsessing about this recruit.

Because Duke is in the mix. It psychologically says alot more if we can beat out Duke for him.

[AviatorX]

I expect it to come down to what other players at his position are coming to Duke vs X, and the implications for PT.

Yeah sure, but that analysis is next to impossible when a decision is imminent and Duke is a big time player in the spring signing period every year. At Duke there's always a chance Justice Winslow shows up at the last minute and takes your minutes.

The top recruits have the luxury of really waiting around and seeing who stays in the draft, etc. before making their decision if they want.

Obviously can't fault anyone for going to play for Coach K, but there's definitely that risk to it if you aren't a sure fire future first rounder.

[XU 87]

I think that right now X is the leader for Swider.

[MuskieXU]

For what its worth, as far as I can tell Coach K hasnt sent a player ranked outside of the Top 30 to the NBA since his 08 class with Miles Plumlee. He has essentially no record of getting 4 star players playing time and developing them into NBA prospects. On one hand, Duke is supposedly his dream school. On the other hand, I think XU gives him a much clearer path to the NBA. We shall see.

[Juice]

For what its worth, as far as I can tell Coach K hasnt sent a player ranked outside of the Top 30 to the NBA since his 08 class with Miles Plumlee. He has essentially no record of getting 4 star players playing time and developing them into NBA prospects. On one hand, Duke is supposedly his dream school. On the other hand, I think XU gives him a much clearer path to the NBA. We shall see.

C'mon guy. I don't think even Chris Mack would make the argument that he can get players to the NBA better than Coach K. Yes, Coach K mostly gets 5 star players but he sends one to the NBA basically every year while X has West (not a Mack player and about to retire), Semaj (barely in the NBA), Crawford (barely in the NBA), and Sumner (barely in the NBA) in the league.

[AviatorX]

C'mon guy. I don't think even Chris Mack would make the argument that he can get players to the NBA better than Coach K. Yes, Coach K mostly gets 5 star players but he sends one to the NBA basically every year while X has West (not a Mack player and about to retire), Semaj (barely in the NBA), Crawford (barely in the NBA), and Sumner (barely in the NBA) in the league.

There are very few schools if any X is recruiting against these days where X gives a much clearer path to the NBA. Until X really picks things up on that end, that's just crazy talk.

[mistabeecee41]

i'm not getting my hopes up. Duke is his dream school, and Swider apparently "watched the NBA Draft with Coach K as four of his former players became millionaires" while on his visit.

[MuskieXU]

C'mon guy. I don't think even Chris Mack would make the argument that he can get players to the NBA better than Coach K. Yes, Coach K mostly gets 5 star players but he sends one to the NBA basically every year while X has West (not a Mack player and about to retire), Semaj (barely in the NBA), Crawford (barely in the NBA), and Sumner (barely in the NBA) in the league.

Coach K obviously has a much better track record of sending players to the NBA, but that doesnt mean Swider has a better path to the NBA at Duke. If he goes to Duke he's basically hoping Coach K doesnt recruit over him every year, and that one day he'll get a chance to start and make a big enough impact to get drafted. At Xavier, he's getting significant minutes allowing him to develop and impress scouts from day 1. I cant tell you which school gives him a better chance at getting drafted but the path is at least clearer at XU, just because the path is so muddy at Duke for anyone who isnt a 5 star prospect.

[AviatorX]

i'm not getting my hopes up. Duke is his dream school, and Swider apparently "watched the NBA Draft with Coach K as four of his former players became millionaires" while on his visit.

I'm kinda with you. I know a lot of reporting suggests X leads here and I think the staff has done an incredible job, built the best relationship, was in there early, etc. But it's hard to imagine not wanting to at least take a shot at Duke if you have that option. But I'm not Swider so I guess we'll see.

[Juice]

Coach K obviously has a much better track record of sending players to the NBA, but that doesnt mean Swider has a better path to the NBA at Duke. If he goes to Duke he's basically hoping Coach K doesnt recruit over him every year, and that one day he'll get a chance to start and make a big enough impact to get drafted. At Xavier, he's getting significant minutes allowing him to develop and impress scouts from day 1. I cant tell you which school gives him a better chance at getting drafted but the path is at least clearer at XU, just because the path is so muddy at Duke for anyone who isnt a 5 star prospect.

He's a top 100 player. If he can't win minutes at Duke against college players how the hell is he going to make an NBA team?

[XU 87]

C'mon guy. I don't think even Chris Mack would make the argument that he can get players to the NBA better than Coach K. Yes, Coach K mostly gets 5 star players but he sends one to the NBA basically every year while X has West (not a Mack player and about to retire), Semaj (barely in the NBA), Crawford (barely in the NBA), and Sumner (barely in the NBA) in the league.

The argument wasn't that Mack does a better job than K of getting players to the NBA, the argument was that K has no recent track record of getting 4 star players to the NBA. Mack does.

That's an argument that a 4 star player may find persuasive.

[ammtd34]

i'm not getting my hopes up. Duke is his dream school, and Swider apparently "watched the NBA Draft with Coach K as four of his former players became millionaires" while on his visit.

Based on JP's instagram, X went to Top Golf with Bill Murray on Swider's visit. Might be a wash.

[JTG]

Based on JP's instagram, X went to Top Golf with Bill Murray on Swider's visit. Might be a wash.

Really, Bill Murray is involved in X recruiting now....awesome.

[throwbackmuskie]

Been told good news is likely coming in short order.

Fingers crossed.

you are still posting, so that is NOT Good news.

[xu95]

Couldn't tell ya. We're dealing with teenagers haha.

I know that if this decision was being made in a vacuum he would have already committed to Duke, but from what i heard they had a pretty honest convo with him on his visit about early PT likely being hard to come by.

I *thinkl* the longer this drags out the more likely it is he ends up at Duke, but all I know for sure is i got a text during his visit that things looked really good for him to commit at the end of his visit.

That obviously didn't happen so now we wait.

He said that he was going to take all of his visits, so there was no chance of him committing during his visit. The coaching staff knew that as well.

[casualfan]

He said that he wasn't going to take all of his visits, so there was no chance of him committing during his visit. The coaching staff knew that as well.

Huh?

Why would him not taking all his visits have anything to do with when he commits?

[xu95]

I just revised it to "was" going to take all of his visits. The staff knew they weren't getting a commitment while he was here. They aren't surprised he left without giving one.

Having said that, I still feel very good about Swider. I have no data to back it up, I just feel good about this one.

[casualfan]

I just revised it to "was" going to take all of his visits. The staff knew they weren't getting a commitment while he was here. They aren't surprised he left without giving one.


We were his last visit...

[MuskieXU]

He's a top 100 player. If he can't win minutes at Duke against college players how the hell is he going to make an NBA team?

Ask Semi Ojeleye or Michael Gbinije. Both went to Duke ranked higher than Swider, got buried on the depth charts, transferred, and then got drafted. Theres definitely something to be said for playing under Coach K. But theres also a lot to be said for getting minutes and developing in game from day 1. This is our advantage over Duke and I think it's a pretty big advantage for any player ranked outside of the top 25 nationally.

[casualfan]

Ask Semi Ojeleye or Michael Gbinije. Both went to Duke ranked higher than Swider, got buried on the depth charts, transferred, and then got drafted. Theres definitely something to be said for playing under Coach K. But theres also a lot to be said for getting minutes and developing in game from day 1. This is our advantage over Duke and I think it's a pretty big advantage for any player ranked outside of the top 25 nationally.

I'm not sure we're in a position to play the "look what happens to highly rated recruits" at their school with some of the things that have happened with our guys.

My guess is that is a back and forth Chris and company are looking to avoid.

[AviatorX]

I'm not sure we're in a position to play the "look what happens to highly rated recruits" at their school with some of the things that have happened with our guys.

My guess is that is a back and forth Chris and company are looking to avoid.

Exactly. NBA success is obviously the weakest part of X's recruiting pitch. There's no way around that. Especially when we're comparing X to Duke -- it's crazy to even think of pointing to that as an advantage.

I don't think it's as nuanced as some are making it out to be in the minds of these recruits. It's either do you get guys to the league consistently or do you not? Now, you could definitely point to playing time/getting recruited over -- but I think it would be insane to try to tie that in with K's track record of getting guys drafted.

[casualfan]

Exactly. NBA success is obviously the weakest part of X's recruiting pitch. There's no way around that. Especially when we're comparing X to Duke -- it's crazy to even think of pointing to that as an advantage.

I don't think it's as nuanced as some are making it out to be in the minds of these recruits. It's either do you get guys to the league consistently or do you not? Now, you could definitely point to playing time/getting recruited over -- but I think it would be insane to try to tie that in with K's track record of getting guys drafted.

Yeah, you're right. And even if it is nuanced I don't think it works in our favor.

Depending on what site you use Swider is somewhere in the 40-80 range of the rankings.

The guys we have signed ranked in line with him or above him:

Tre
Makinde London
Semaj
Dez

Other than Semaj none of those guys had the type of career here that a coach would point to and say "see, we can develop guys just like Duke can".

Makinde transferred out.
Tre, despite having an unbelievable college career, hasn't gotten a sniff from the league
Dez- We all know how badly that one got bungled.

So yeah I just don't see a scenario where bringing up history of staff's developing players works in our favor, whether they take a nuanced look or not.

If we beat Duke it is because he wants to get on the court early.

[MuskieXU]

Maybe I'm over complicating this. Xavier can offer a lot of minutes immediately and a likely starting spot his sophomore year. All Duke can offer is a spot on the team. Is it worth it to get less minutes, potentially much less minutes, to play for a HoF coach? That I dont know the answer to. But generally you need playing time to make the NBA and thats XU's advantage over Duke.

[Juice]

The argument wasn't that Mack does a better job than K of getting players to the NBA, the argument was that K has no recent track record of getting 4 star players to the NBA. Mack does.

That's an argument that a 4 star player may find persuasive.

Mack has gotten 3 to the NBA. One was a player he din't recruit and transferred from IU. One was Semaj who was an inch away from being a 5 star, and the other is Sumner. I get what you guys are saying. It's just dumb. You're trying to search too hard for why Cole could come here and it's probably way more simple than that. It's probably playing time availability and that fact that X has recruited him for a long time and not in the last month or so like Duke.

[Juice]

Ask Semi Ojeleye or Michael Gbinije. Both went to Duke ranked higher than Swider, got buried on the depth charts, transferred, and then got drafted. Theres definitely something to be said for playing under Coach K. But theres also a lot to be said for getting minutes and developing in game from day 1. This is our advantage over Duke and I think it's a pretty big advantage for any player ranked outside of the top 25 nationally.

And they both could have stayed at Duke and earned playing time. And I don't give a shit that these guys are playing for Coach K or not. My point is that if you're a top 100 player and you're scared of getting recruited over or can't earn quality minutes against other guys you're same age, how in the hell are you going to earn a spot on a team with guys with a way more expansive age range and a much larger pool to choose from?

[casualfan]

The argument wasn't that Mack does a better job than K of getting players to the NBA, the argument was that K has no recent track record of getting 4 star players to the NBA. Mack does.

That's an argument that a 4 star player may find persuasive.

K has put as many 4 stars in the league from a single family as Chris has in his entire career.

[Juice]

Maybe I'm over complicating this. Xavier can offer a lot of minutes immediately and a likely starting spot his sophomore year. All Duke can offer is a spot on the team. Is it worth it to get less minutes, potentially much less minutes, to play for a HoF coach? That I dont know the answer to. But generally you need playing time to make the NBA and thats XU's advantage over Duke.

That's not true at all. UK had a guy who didn't play a single minute for them this year and was being considered a first round draft pick solely because he was on their roster and played against other UK guys at practice. Grayson Allen's stock was its highest when he was a freshman and played his least amount of minutes. Zack Collins at Gonzaga was a 6th man behind a senior who played more minutes than him.

The NBA drafts on potential, athleticism, skills and size. Playing time means shit.

[casualfan]

And they both could have stayed at Duke and earned playing time. And I don't give a shit that these guys are playing for Coach K or not. My point is that if you're a top 100 player and you're scared of getting recruited over or can't earn quality minutes against other guys you're same age, how in the hell are you going to earn a spot on a team with guys with a way more expansive age range and a much larger pool to choose from?

Right. And for every Ojeleye and Gbinije there is a Makinde London and Dez Wells.

I honestly can't believe we have fans who think bringing up success rate of putting guys in the NBA would be something that'd work in our favor here.

We have some advantages over Duke here, but that is definitely not one of them.

[Juice]

Right. And for every Ojeleye and Gbinije there is a Makinde London and Dez Wells.

I honestly can't believe we have fans who think bringing up success rate of putting guys in the NBA would be something that'd work in our favor here.

We have some advantages over Duke here, but that is definitely not one of them.

And the guys we have in the NBA aren't exactly studs. Crawford bounced around in China and the D League before finally getting back this year. Semaj has done the same and is probably back on his way to the D League or Europe considering he had the lowest PER of any PG in the NBA. And who the hell knows what's going to happen with Sumner.

[XU 87]

K has put as many 4 stars in the league from a single family as Chris has in his entire career.

No one is saying that X should be arguing, as a primary argument, that he'll have a better chance of going to the NBA if comes to X.

But I'm sure a big Duke selling point to recruits, among many, is "Look at all the players we send to the NBA. Come here and you'll increase your chances of going to the NBA."

Don't you think Mack has a response to this? And is one response perhaps what was written above about Duke's recent track record vs. Xavier's recent track record of sending 4 stars to the NBA? Or do you think Mack just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Yea, you'll have a way better chance of going to the NBA if you go to Duke."

[MuskieXU]

No one is saying that X's best argument is that he'll have a better chance of going to the NBA if comes to X. No one is saying it's even a good argument.

But I'm sure a big Duke selling point to recruits, among many, is "Look at all the players we send to the NBA. Come here and you'll increase your chances of going to the NBA."

Don't you think Mack has a response to this? And is one response perhaps what was written above about Duke's recent track record vs. Xavier's recent track record of sending 4 stars to the NBA? Or do you think Mack just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Yea, you'll have a way better chance of going to the NBA if you go to Duke."

Exactly. Cant believe how worked up people are getting over the semantics of this. Kids outside of the Top 30 in their class generally need to develop by playing in games, and as far as I can tell no recruit ranked outside of the top 50 has started for Duke in the one and done era (I'm sure theres one or two but it rarely happens.) Going to Duke has a much bigger risk that you will never get the playing time to develop fully, thats all I'm saying.

[Juice]

No one is saying that X should be arguing, as a primary argument, that he'll have a better chance of going to the NBA if comes to X.

But I'm sure a big Duke selling point to recruits, among many, is "Look at all the players we send to the NBA. Come here and you'll increase your chances of going to the NBA."

Don't you think Mack has a response to this? And is one response perhaps what was written above about Duke's recent track record vs. Xavier's recent track record of sending 4 stars to the NBA? Or do you think Mack just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Yea, you'll have a way better chance of going to the NBA if you go to Duke."

No, I don't think Mack has a real response. My guess is Mack says something about X has put guys in the NBA, he will get minutes to prove that, and that X has the facilities that allow him to get better. You don't think a recruit has any idea on who puts more guys in the NBA?

[XU 87]

No, I don't think Mack has a real response. My guess is Mack says something about X has put guys in the NBA, he will get minutes to prove that, and that X has the facilities that allow him to get better.

And then he would finish with "And because of the minutes you'll get here and our facilities, you'll have a better chance to get to the NBA than if you go to Duke, where you might not get those minutes."

He might even throw in, "Look at our track record v. Duke with getting similar players to the NBA".

But I'm certain he's not going to say, "Well, I have no response to Duke's claim that you personally have more of a chance to go the NBA if you go there. So I'm not going to address it or discuss it. I'll just ignore that issue."

[AviatorX]

And then he would finish with "And because of the minutes you'll get here and our facilities, you'll have a better chance to get to the NBA than if you go to Duke, where you might not get those minutes."

He might even throw in, "Look at our track record v. Duke with getting similar players to the NBA".

But I'm certain he's not going to say, "Well, I have no response to Duke's claim that you personally have more of a chance to go the NBA if you go there. So I'm not going to address it or discuss it."

I think it's a "change the subject" type deal.

[casualfan]

I think it's a "change the subject" type deal.

1000%

[mistabeecee41]

maybe we can look into hiring his step-sister's cousins' across the streets neighbor's nephew as the video coordinator to get a leg up? everybody else is doing it.

[GoMuskies]

This is a goofy discussion. Guys don't have a better chance of going to the NBA because they go to Dook. Dook is just able to recruit guys who when they show up on campus are already more likely to go to the NBA more often than every school not named Kentucky. If Swider can play, he'll be in the NBA before too long whether he chooses Xavier, Dook or UMBC.

[xu82]

This is a goofy discussion. Guys don't have a better chance of going to the NBA because they go to Dook. Dook is just able to recruit guys who when they show up on campus are already more likely to go to the NBA more often than every school not named Kentucky. If Swider can play, he'll be in the NBA before too long whether he chooses Xavier, Dook or UMBC.

Yep, it's not like we are off in Siberia or something and they will never hear about the player. Hell, the way they draft overseas now, being from Siberia might HELP! "Hey, look at the steal WE found!" If he's good enough, he'll make it.

[Juice]

This is a goofy discussion. Guys don't have a better chance of going to the NBA because they go to Dook. Dook is just able to recruit guys who when they show up on campus are already more likely to go to the NBA more often than every school not named Kentucky. If Swider can play, he'll be in the NBA before too long whether he chooses Xavier, Dook or UMBC.

I'd agree with that. But Xavier doesn't offer Cole a better chance. They don't hinder it either. But it's really hard for X to argue they're better at it than Duke when Duke can put more guys in the NBA in 2 years than we do in a decade.

[Emp]

Ah, could academic cred/programs have any thing to do with his decision? The value of a diploma from X vs Duke?

This recruit organized his official visits with his family in the off season. He's rationally approaching his decision. He may be considering what happens after basketball. Not as THE single factor, but in the mix.

As for "fit," it's clear he is much less likely to be "recruited over" at X, previously mentioned in this thread. That's the security some slightly less than spectacular recruit could be worried about at Duke.

[casualfan]

Corey Evans‏ @coreyevans_10 1m1 minute ago
More
Cole Swider, a four-star 2018 forward, will announce his college commitment at 3:30pm on Friday; Duke, Villanova, Syracuse & Xavier invovled

[XUFan09]

Corey Evans‏ @coreyevans_10 1m1 minute ago
More
Cole Swider, a four-star 2018 forward, will announce his college commitment at 3:30pm on Friday; Duke, Villanova, Syracuse & Xavier invovled

I couldn't ask for more at this point in time. The fact that he is about to wrap this up is promising for Xavier's chances.

[Cheesehead]

I have it on good authority that Cole really enjoyed his visit but that doesn't translate into him signing with us. Crossing my fingers. Goood thoughts...

[xu82]

You hear so much about the coaches, who recruited earliest, the NBA prospects, the minutes you'll get, the academics, etc. I wonder how much comes down to the teammates and how that connection feels? And have they ever seen Caddyshack?

[GIMMFD]

You hear so much about the coaches, who recruited earliest, the NBA prospects, the minutes you'll get, the academics, etc. I wonder how much comes down to the teammates and how that connection feels? And have they ever seen Caddyshack?

I think we're getting to the ages where they haven't seen Caddyshack... and that's downright disgusting.

[xu82]

I think we're getting to the ages where they haven't seen Caddyshack... and that's downright disgusting.

I think it should be a requirement to get a drivers licnese, but maybe that's just me.

[xu95]

We were his last visit...

I get that. All I was saying was he made it quite clear during the process that he wasn't committing during a visit, so there was no chance of it happening while he was here and the staff knew that.

[xudash]

Sorry, but I haven't been tracking this too closely: did he even make it to Nova?

My gut tells me that it's down to Xavier v. Duke and that Xavier will win the sweepstakes.

Rationale: Duke is Duke, but Xavier has come A LONG ENOUGH WAY at this point that we can hang in there at the 4-Star recruiting level, given all factors involved (i.e. playing time, facilities, conference affiliation, etc.).

And as a very specific point, I truly wonder how "stuffy and entitled" the Duke visit went. It's great to be able to be in such a position, as it means the trophies and banners are abundant. But I have this feeling he really enjoyed being with our guys and that it's clear that they're hungry. I understand that Duke is "hungry" for more success, but I'm suggesting that can be carried in a different way.

Who knows how these kids think these days, but imagine finding the right kid who tells himself this is the horse to ride; I'm going to be a part of delivering this program to the promised land.

At any rate, it appears as though we'll know either way within 25 hours.

[XMuskieFTW]

Sorry, but I haven't been tracking this too closely: did he even make it to Nova?

My gut tells me that it's down to Xavier v. Duke and that Xavier will win the sweepstakes.

Rationale: Duke is Duke, but Xavier has come A LONG ENOUGH WAY at this point that we can hang in there at the 4-Star recruiting level, given all factors involved (i.e. playing time, facilities, conference affiliation, etc.).

And as a very specific point, I truly wonder how "stuffy and entitled" the Duke visit went. It's great to be able to be in such a position, as it means the trophies and banners are abundant. But I have this feeling he really enjoyed being with our guys and that it's clear that they're hungry. I understand that Duke is "hungry" for more success, but I'm suggesting that can be carried in a different way.

Who knows how these kids think these days, but imagine finding the right kid who tells himself this is the horse to ride; I'm going to be a part of delivering this program to the promised land.

At any rate, it appears as though we'll know either way within 25 hours.

He didn't make it to Nova for an official, but has been more than enough times on unofficials to know what the deal would be there. I wouldn't count them out at this point.

[surfxu]

If he commits to X then I give all the props to my daughter. She's a server at Top Golf and stopped by to talk to Tre and a couple of other players who were there with Mack, Cole, Luke and Bill Murray. If Cole thinks the "average" Xavier female looks like her then he's as good as committed. Funny story... Bill Murray ordered a bottle of wine, drank two glasses out of it and then when everyone was leaving he put the open half bottle of wine under is jacket and walked out. I asked her if anyone said anything to him... she just shrugged he shoulders and said "I mean it's Bill Murray... who's going to stop him?"

[xudash]

If he commits to X then I give all the props to my daughter. She's a server at Top Golf and stopped by to talk to Tre and a couple of other players who were there with Mack, Cole, Luke and Bill Murray. If Cole thinks the "average" Xavier female looks like her then he's as good as committed. Funny story... Bill Murray ordered a bottle of wine, drank two glasses out of it and then when everyone was leaving he put the open half bottle of wine under is jacket and walked out. I asked her if anyone said anything to him... she just shrugged he shoulders and said "I mean it's Bill Murray... who's going to stop him?"

I didn't realize that was a true story.

I think that's awesome.

[GoMuskies]

If he commits to X then I give all the props to my daughter. She's a server at Top Golf and stopped by to talk to Tre and a couple of other players who were there with Mack, Cole, Luke and Bill Murray. If Cole thinks the "average" Xavier female looks like her then he's as good as committed. Funny story... Bill Murray ordered a bottle of wine, drank two glasses out of it and then when everyone was leaving he put the open half bottle of wine under is jacket and walked out. I asked her if anyone said anything to him... she just shrugged he shoulders and said "I mean it's Bill Murray... who's going to stop him?"

I haven't read this thread close enough apparently....Bill Murray went to TopGolf with the group during Swider's official visit?

OK, I see the post on that now. That's a nice weapon to have in recruiting.

[xu82]

I haven't read this thread close enough apparently....Bill Murray went to TopGolf with the group during Swider's official visit?

OK, I see the post on that now. That's a nice weapon to have in recruiting.


....except what do 17 year old kids know about Caddyshack. What is this world coming to???

[KabeX]

Just picked my son up at Chris's basketball camp. Spoke with Chris briefly (joked that my son is the next Cole Swider). He said they'll prob know tonight. Couldn't tell how confident he was but my (certainly non-expert) gut feeling is Cole will be a Musketeer come tomorrow afternoon. On a related note - Gaston & Bernard were there which I suppose makes sense since they graduated and are sorting out their respective professional options. Malcolm indicated he's prob headed to Spain. Not sure about Gaston but what a great couple of guys. Requested an autograph and a pic with our favorite X transfer of all-time, which prompted a wide smile from Malcolm. I could tell how how glad he was to come to X. Best of luck to both of them!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Bill Murray ordered a bottle of wine, drank two glasses out of it and then when everyone was leaving he put the open half bottle of wine under is jacket and walked out. I asked her if anyone said anything to him... she just shrugged he shoulders and said "I mean it's Bill Murray... who's going to stop him?"

You might be surprised to hear, but in Arizona as long as he puts the cork back in what he did is perfectly legal. I believe it's more commonly legal than you might think.

[xudash]

....except what do 17 year old kids know about Caddyshack. What is this world coming to???

Perhaps how the visit played out:

Murray goes into full Carl Spackler mode at Top Golf and makes our coveted recruit piss his pants from laughter, without understanding the " character" involved.

Later that evening he calls his parents to report in:

Cole: Hi folks. Had a great visit with the gang from Xavier. Although I do have to tell you that Luke Murray is very reserved, but his father is sort of a basket case, but hilarious. Have no idea what he does for a living. I'm not even sure why he joined us.

Parents (literally as they're watching Groundhog Day): Did you say his last name is Murray?

Cole: Yep.

Parents: (Whatever the northeastern equivalent of) "bless your heart" is.

[mistabeecee41]

Two duke writers just made crystal ball predictions on 247spoets....


Both for Nova?

......

[Lloyd Braun]

Two duke writers just made crystal ball predictions on 247spoets....


Both for Nova?

......

Perhaps they caught wind he won't be going to Duke?

[AviatorX]

Two duke writers just made crystal ball predictions on 247spoets....


Both for Nova?

......

I don't think anyone has a good feel for this one at this point other than it would be slightly more surprising if he went to Syracuse than the other three.

Really hope it's not Nova. Swider's tape looks like he was grown in a lab to score 250 points on 85% shooting over his career in Nova/X matchups.

Also, I know you probably know this, but crystal ball is awful. Truly think it's beyond some of these Duke "Chad Brendel-types" that Swider could possible choose X.

[xu82]

If not X, better Nova than Duke. Make the whole world afraid of the Big East!!!

[AviatorX]

If not X, better Nova than Duke. Make the whole world afraid of the Big East!!!

Couldn't disagree more with you here. Not trying to play this guy 2-3 times a year and it's not like Nova needs to rebuild.

[xu82]

Couldn't disagree more with you here. Not trying to play this guy 2-3 times a year and it's not like Nova needs to rebuild.

Well, we will just have to disagree, then. I will cheer for X first, and our conference next. A rising tide.....

Let's make this the greatest basketball conference in the country! Let's not be afraid to play ANYONE!

[AviatorX]

This recruitment is starting to feel like it's trending the wrong way for me. Probably just bored and overthinking it, but normally when a school (like X was here) seemed to be the clear leader heading into visits, the visits happen, and an announcement is set a lot of the Internet "experts" all start to converge on the obvious candidate. But browsing around this one really seems to be all over the place and even moving away from X as compared to 24 hours ago. In my head its really a toss up between X and Nova and I mean Duke is Duke so you never know if someone is gonna wake up the day of their commitment and decide they want to play for K.

Whatever happens, props to Cole. He handled his recruitment with impressive efficiency and seems like a good level-headed dude in interviews. On top of that, he is now orchestrating what appears to be the rare announcement with actual suspense. I have little doubt he's gonna be a really good college player wherever he lands. Here's to hoping it's X.

[xu82]

Indeed, best wishes to Cole, wherever he lands.

[casualfan]

I don't know for sure he's coming here but I do feel confident saying he's not going to Duke.

[AviatorX]

I don't know for sure he's coming here but I do feel confident saying he's not going to Duke.

The fact that Nova didn't get an official (I know Swider has been to their campus) but is still firmly in the mix isn't sitting well with me.

[drudy23]

The fact that Nova didn't get an official (I know Swider has been to their campus) but is still firmly in the mix isn't sitting well with me.

He's not going to commit to Nova without an official visit (which means he's likely to commit to Nova without an official visit).

[AviatorX]

If you buy into this kind of stuff, apparently Jay Wright tweeted his equivalent of Mack's "X Marks the Spot" earlier today.

[JTG]

If you buy into this kind of stuff, apparently Jay Wright tweeted his equivalent of Mack's "X Marks the Spot" earlier today.

Well that sucks..

[casualfan]

If you buy into this kind of stuff, apparently Jay Wright tweeted his equivalent of Mack's "X Marks the Spot" earlier today.

I didn't see anything on his page yo this effect?

[AviatorX]

I didn't see anything on his page yo this effect?

"Great Day to be a Wildcat" or something to that effect. I'm just going off what I saw on a few twitter searches of Nova fans haha.

[X Factor]

Would be a huge bummer not to land this kid. Mack has put in tons of work recruiting him from early on before he blew up.

[casualfan]

"Great Day to be a Wildcat" or something to that effect. I'm just going off what I saw on a few twitter searches of Nova fans haha.

Haha I hear yea.

I saw that tweet and didn't think anything of it. If that is his "we got 'em!!!!" tweet it is a little more conspicuous than Chris' if nothing else.

[gladdenguy]

Looks like he will choose Nova tomorrow. Not only Mack but Luke Murray has been on him from the beginning. Sucks but time to move on and get the next one.

[AviatorX]

Looks like he will choose Nova tomorrow. Not only Mack but Luke Murray has been on him from the beginning. Sucks but time to move on and get the next one.

I'm honestly trying to remember the last bad recruiting news around here. It's been a while and it felt like everything went really smoothly last summer. Still sucks though.

[casualfan]

I'm honestly trying to remember the last bad recruiting news around here. It's been a while and it felt like everything went really smoothly last summer. Still sucks though.

Even if we don't get Swider this has a really good chance to be a great class.

They are in on a ton of good players, especially on the wing. This staff will get it done.

Does anyone know what the word is with Coleman Lands? While he would have to sit a year he strikes me as a guy similar to Swider.

[AviatorX]

Even if we don't get Swider this has a really good chance to be a great class.

They are in on a ton of good players, especially on the wing. This staff will get it done.

Does anyone know what the word is with Coleman Lands? While he would have to sit a year he strikes me as a guy similar to Swider.

Agreed 100%. Staff is sitting pretty heading into the July live period no matter what happens tomorrow.

Following IU as well, it's funny that in IU internet land the general consensus is "damn how is X in so deep with EVERYONE in 2018?"

[Juice]

Even if we don't get Swider this has a really good chance to be a great class.

They are in on a ton of good players, especially on the wing. This staff will get it done.

Does anyone know what the word is with Coleman Lands? While he would have to sit a year he strikes me as a guy similar to Swider.

I believe he is visiting Gonzaga this weekend.

[casualfan]

I believe he is visiting Gonzaga this weekend.

I think that was last weekend:

Derek Piper‏ @DPiperScout Jun 23
More
Former #Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands is visiting Gonzaga this weekend - per a source.
2 replies 22 retweets 65 likes

[Juice]

I think that was last weekend:

Derek Piper‏ @DPiperScout Jun 23
More
Former #Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands is visiting Gonzaga this weekend - per a source.
2 replies 22 retweets 65 likes

You are correct sir

[XU3232]

Well this one definitely sucks considering X recruited him the hardest. I figured it was either X or Duke down the stretch. Oh well... on to the next one. X is in a good spot with so many top 100 guys this should still be a great class for sure.

[Juice]

Turns out Cole doesn't think Xavier or Duke is the best school for him on getting him to the NBA.

[casualfan]

Turns out Cole doesn't think Xavier or Duke is the best school for him on getting him to the NBA.

Probably shows more than anything else how little effect any of that had.

Jay Wright, despite his success has not been an NBA factory. He hasn't had a player get drafted and stick in the league since 2009

[GoMuskies]

Cole who? We didn't want him anyway.

And so forth.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Brandon Cole > Cole Swider

[mistabeecee41]

Officially official. Picking Nova.

[xu82]

Officially official. Picking Nova.

Ok, NOW we officially didn't want him anyway......

[X Factor]

And this is why I don't pay a subscription anymore to any premium message board. I got tired of paying someone to tell me we're recruiting this kid or that kid and X is in a great spot with so and so, only for the kid to go somewhere else, after hearing how much time and effort Mack and the staff put in on recruiting the kid.

I would've rather Swider went to Duke. We're gonna have to face him twice a year and he's gonna be so tough for Nova. I can't stand him already.

[GoMuskies]

We're gonna have to face him twice a year and he's gonna be so tough for Nova. I can't stand him already.

I'm hoping it becomes a DSR situation where the poor kid spends his career taking beatings from X and looking up to X in the standings.

[gladdenguy]

I'm hoping it becomes a DSR situation where the poor kid spends his career taking beatings from X and looking up to X in the standings.

Yeah because we don't want it to be another Kris Jenkins situation, where X is the one taking the beatings.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah because we don't want it to be another Kris Jenkins situation, where X is the one taking the beatings.

Fuck that.

[kyxu]

I'm hoping it becomes a DSR situation where the poor kid spends his career taking beatings from X and looking up to X in the standings.

Well, Swider will not be coached by JTIII, so the chances of him taking a regular beating from X are not as high.

[Lamont Sanford]

OK, next man, errr recruit up.

Time to move on. Time to get Hunter, Williams, Ayo, Bazely, etc.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yeah because we don't want it to be another Kris Jenkins situation, where X is the one taking the beatings.

Weren't we on Hart and Jenkins? Damn, good luck to Swider. This one is a bummer.

[MuskieXU]

Weren't we on Hart and Jenkins? Damn, good luck to Swider. This one is a bummer.

We recruited Hart but I dont know that we were ever a serious contender down the stretch. We were in Jenkins Final 5 after narrowing down his list. I'd imagine we'll be competing with Nova for more and more recruits as the clear Top 2 programs in the Big East currently.

[xu82]

OK, next man, errr recruit up.

Time to move on. Time to get Hunter, Williams, Ayo, Bazely, etc.

Yep, keep moving onward. We are still in the running with a bunch of very talented young men. You can't win them all....nobody does.

[xudash]

Lesson learned: keep loving my school to the point where I pay attention to this stuff, but don't get wrapped up into the recruiting of any one individual until they've signed on the dotted line.

Good for the Big East and good luck to him, except for when we are beating Villanova.

Go X!

[casualfan]

Coleman Lands just picked DePaul.

[drudy23]

I think it's about time to bury this thread...who's Cole Swider?

[xu82]

I think it's about time to bury this thread...who's Cole Swider?

Just some guy we need to beat 2-3 times a year. Maybe more if we meet in a Final Four or NC game. :-) Make him rue the day!