2023 Recruiting
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On Dennis Evans, I would drop everything to recruit this kid. At that size, with that coordination, his potential is basically unlimited.
Lots of things stand out to me, but I will only list a few.
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he’s currently listed at 7-1, 210. Just natural development will probably have him at 225 by the time he gets on campus, and once he gets into a strength program, going to 240 is easily within reach. That will change his ceiling dramatically all on its own.
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He has a soft touch already. That is critical since it is important for big guys to be able to shoot a little to prevent getting mauled in the post.
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He’s quick enough to handle guards out away from the basket, and he’s so long that even if they create some space, it’s probably not enough to get up a shot that he cannot bother.
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He’s a natural lefty, but he blocks shots with either hand (or both).
Basically, he’s got all of the tools already, and you can be confident that he’s going to get stronger as he gets older. He isn’t as far along offensively, but that is something that could happen quickly because he already can shoot. He could be a top 5 player in his class by the time November gets here.
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
Not sure if we take a 5, but if we do he is up there on the list.
That’s just it BShark. If Udeh , Zuby & Zach are still here which I don’t see anyway they won’t be - then the question becomes - - WHY is Coach even recruting a 5. - Since he is it looks like then I think this kid is for sure we could use. - -So are we intrestd seriously on this kid or what ?
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@jayballer67 Zuby is not a 5, he’s a 4. Zach Clemence has the skill set and ability to play the 4 in college since he can play away from the basket.
If a top 20 player who could move up further is interested in your program, you recruit him because you need talent and depth to win championships.
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@Texas-Hawk-10 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@jayballer67 Zuby is not a 5, he’s a 4. Zach Clemence has the skill set and ability to play the 4 in college since he can play away from the basket.
If a top 20 player who could move up further is interested in your program, you recruit him because you need talent and depth to win championships.
As long as Bill sticks with the 4 out (whether 2/2/1 or 1/3/1 guard/wing/big) Zuby won’t play the 4 here.
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@Texas-Hawk-10 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@jayballer67 Zuby is not a 5, he’s a 4. Zach Clemence has the skill set and ability to play the 4 in college since he can play away from the basket.
If a top 20 player who could move up further is interested in your program, you recruit him because you need talent and depth to win championships.
Agree with @Texas-Hawk-10 here. If a potential top 5 recruit that could be a top 5 NBA draft pick is even remotely interested in coming to play for you, you make those phone calls and set up those visits.
Even if Dennis Evans doesn’t improve to his full potential, he can already help a college team right now with his size and agility. But if he does improve to his potential, look out because he could end up being the best player on a college team.
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AJ or Mikey with Dennis in this class would have me elated.
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This post is deleted!
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Reading that Scotty is looking to make his College Choice by the 18th of July. - -I think if we wanted him hard - - he would be ours but I just think maybe aiming a little higher. Could be wrong have been n many times before. I wouldn’t be upset if he landed here just think we have other players maybe we are after harder. - - I think Scotty lands at U Conn.
We ar one of the final 4, well it was 5 but he never visited Tex a & m - I just don’t think in the end run they are in serious contention of the remaining schools
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New offer https://247sports.com/player/tj-power-46103238/
@BeddieKU23 from your neck of the woods
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Yepp. Guess the 41pt effort caught their attention. Would be a “4” here. Can shoot it and has good ball skills. Looks like he’s taken OV’s to UVA & Iowa so far.
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https://twitter.com/GPCRyanG/status/1549868028288012288
I am now actually taking Tang seriously.
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So guys. does anyone have a feel , any kind of inside scoop , rumor or anything on how we feel about our Chances to land : - - Taison Chatman - -and or Chris Johnson - or both. Haven’t heard to much promising yet I know we will be fine just curious ?
Does anyone think we would actually get Mikey ? - -if he wanted - -do we take him ?
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@jayballer67 said in 2023 Recruiting:
So guys. does anyone have a feel , any kind of inside scoop , rumor or anything on how we feel about our Chances to land : - - Taison Chatman - -and or Chris Johnson - or both. Haven’t heard to much promising yet I know we will be fine just curious ?
Does anyone think we would actually get Mikey ? - -if he wanted - -do we take him ?
Mikey Williams will follow the money. Whatever option makes him the most money whether it’s NIL or pro is where he’ll end up. If he goes the college route and wants to come to KU, yes KU should take him because he is a very good player and plays a position of need for KU’s 2023 class.
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@Texas-Hawk-10 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@jayballer67 said in 2023 Recruiting:
So guys. does anyone have a feel , any kind of inside scoop , rumor or anything on how we feel about our Chances to land : - - Taison Chatman - -and or Chris Johnson - or both. Haven’t heard to much promising yet I know we will be fine just curious ?
Does anyone think we would actually get Mikey ? - -if he wanted - -do we take him ?
Mikey Williams will follow the money. Whatever option makes him the most money whether it’s NIL or pro is where he’ll end up. If he goes the college route and wants to come to KU, yes KU should take him because he is a very good player and plays a position of need for KU’s 2023 class.
ya probably true and probably pro
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
https://twitter.com/GPCRyanG/status/1549868028288012288
I am now actually taking Tang seriously.
I’m not until he wins some games. A 60th ranked player in 23 is more like a fringe top 100 in stronger years
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@jayballer67 With his social media following, I think college and NIL money is where he’ll end up. He has almost 4 million followers on Instagram so he’s one of those guys who could potentially rake in 8 figures in NIL money in college. That’s not likely to happen if he goes pro instead of college.
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@FarmerJayhawk said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
https://twitter.com/GPCRyanG/status/1549868028288012288
I am now actually taking Tang seriously.
I’m not until he wins some games. A 60th ranked player in 23 is more like a fringe top 100 in stronger years
Even if he is decent as a freshman, keeping him in Manhattan for 4 years with the new rules is easier said than done.
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For those who follow recruiting much more closely, why is it that KU has zero commits in the 2023 class? And, seemingly nothing more than a “warm” with anyone on the 247 list? Duke and UK each have 5-6 commits or 100% predictions in the top 50. Several other schools have multiple top 50 commits.
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@Kcmatt7 said in 2023 Recruiting:
@FarmerJayhawk said in 2023 Recruiting:
@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
https://twitter.com/GPCRyanG/status/1549868028288012288
I am now actually taking Tang seriously.
I’m not until he wins some games. A 60th ranked player in 23 is more like a fringe top 100 in stronger years
Even if he is decent as a freshman, keeping him in Manhattan for 4 years with the new rules is easier said than done.
This is fair.
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@DCHawker said in 2023 Recruiting:
For those who follow recruiting much more closely, why is it that KU has zero commits in the 2023 class? And, seemingly nothing more than a “warm” with anyone on the 247 list? Duke and UK each have 5-6 commits or 100% predictions in the top 50. Several other schools have multiple top 50 commits.
My guess is KU only ends needing to fill 2-4 slots and will be highly selective. TECHNICALLY only Cam Martin will be coming off the books but I would bank on Jalen leaving, and probably McCullar as well. As mentioned it is a weak class, so outside of landing someone like a Mikey Williams, I could see the staff wanting experienced talent.
In addition to Mikey, some names to know: Chris Johnson, Taison Chatman and Kaden Cooper. Wings is where we will likely need to add some guys and 3/4 here are wings. Bigs are basically set. Dennis Evans is very interesting but I could see not adding a big at all. I think you take Evans if he wants to come and figure it out.
@FarmerJayhawk might have some more insight.
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Not sure the staff has pushed for a commitment from anyone. They have had plenty of visitors but all of them are still going through the process. It’s a down class as well so I think that adds to being selective. Personally I hope we turn the heat up. I think we will see enough turnover to need 3/4 guys. Take 1-2 guys early and then focus on best available in portal and late signing guys.
I know a lot of guys are coming off the board early so I get the concern.
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Chris Johnson taking an official on June 25th. Perhaps that will be one to seriously watch!
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@BeddieKU23 yes
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It’s still early yet, so not a ton to report. If I had to wager, I’d say there will be 4-5 spots open (Martin, McCullar, Wilson, a wing, maayyybe Yesufu since he’ll graduate). So based on that, you take a big, a wing, and 2-3 other skill guys. The line gets fuzzy between wing and combo guard, so it might be useful just to categorize as big, wing, PG. Mikey is a take anytime. I believe they’d take Chatman or Johnson right now too. TJ Power is kind of a mystery right now since he went supernova. If we get Mikey I think you’ll see us go back to two guards, two wings, and a big.
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Don’t think Kaden Cooper is a target. He visited Gonzaga & is looking to set up visits to LSU, Texas & Alabama.
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Dennis Evans is coming for Late Night. Will be one to watch for sure.
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@FarmerJayhawk said in 2023 Recruiting:
Dennis Evans is coming for Late Night. Will be one to watch for sure.
I think this s a no lose situation. We have plenty of inside presence coming up But if Evans still wanted to come - - - – hell ya with his rim protection and other things he has got goin I’d take him
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@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
Don’t think Kaden Cooper is a target. He visited Gonzaga & is looking to set up visits to LSU, Texas & Alabama.
Yeah writing is kinda on the wall. Compare how it progressed with him and how the Chatman and CJ ones are going.
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Chris Johnson in the house now - - w got a legit shot with him I think right ? — - –
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Chris Johnson… wow! Watch his clips here:
https://www2.kusports.com/news/mens_basketball/
He’s as gifted as I’ve seen in combo guards. He shows about every quality to the game in these clips.
I’d hope he would stick around for a couple of seasons though because OADs aren’t the best ticket to a NC.
My question… does he play well with others? Team player? I think we’ve all come to learn a huge lesson from Och. That kid was 100% team player and totally supported his teammates… and without that attitude, no way we win it all!
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His scouting report from 247 was interesting.
Johnson is a big guard with size and strength alike. He changes speeds, protects the ball at a high level going through the lane, and can score the ball in numerous ways inside the arc. He needs to keep progressing as a three-point threat with both inconsistent mechanics and a bit of a hard ball. Defensively, he has tools that should eventually be able to translate at a high level, although he has yet to make that end of the floor a consistent priority. Overall, he is confident, physical, and plays with an edge, that can be either a competitive advantage or disadvantage depending on how it is impacting him.
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One common theme through C/O 23 scouts is language like “needs to keep progressing” and “has the tools” because these kids (through no fault of their own) are way behind.
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@drgnslayr said in 2023 Recruiting:
Chris Johnson… wow! Watch his clips here:
https://www2.kusports.com/news/mens_basketball/
He’s as gifted as I’ve seen in combo guards. He shows about every quality to the game in these clips.
I’d hope he would stick around for a couple of seasons though because OADs aren’t the best ticket to a NC.
My question… does he play well with others? Team player? I think we’ve all come to learn a huge lesson from Och. That kid was 100% team player and totally supported his teammates… and without that attitude, no way we win it all!
That little mid range jumper reminds me of McCullar.
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Hey guys have to apologize in advance for this lengthy post I’m getting ready to post but just wanted to share a few snippet’s & some thoughts here. Ok 1st thing here is my opinion I fully realize that we are pretty loaded in big coming up right? - - yet Just saying if this kid wants to come your a fool not to take him aren’t you ?
Dennis Evans 7’1 & 210 lbs and currently # 12 in the Nation. The # 2 ranked center in the class this kid is jumping the scales left and right. Evans has jumped 129 spots in the latest rivals. He has went from being unrnnked- -to the # 141 player - - -to the 12th ranked player. People saying he for sure a top 10 ranked player. , the big thing about his ranking reason took longer is stayed playing at a public School instead of going to play for a shoe company. .Elvert Perry has been Coaching him since he was 10. Perry said they just played in the States and he averaged a triple double in Scoring , blocks & rebounds. - Saying he avraged around 13-14 blocks per game.
He can score in the paint - - and yet step outside far from a one dimensional player. He can score with either hand , he can up & under— he is 7’2 with a 7’7 wing span. 37 inch vertical. - he really likes KU they said even though other schools have entered the picture , Evans says Ku & Minnesota & TCU have seperated themselves.
They also said the deal with Coach Self & Townsend doesn’t bother them, - -saying Dennis really doesn’t care about blue blood schools or not even though he really likes KU. He says him and Townsend have developed a great relationship. This guy that has been his Coach said that HE had been to KU before and the reason for late night was hewanted Dennis to be able to see the culture of KU. Other things I wanted to mentioned but the story just got knocked off.
All I’m saying is if Dennis Evans is sold on KU , I don’t car how amny big’s we have these things have a way to work themselves out - - he wants to come then – we need to find a way for him on this roster
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@jayballer67 On top of that, Evans looks like a dead ringer for David Ruffin of The Temptations ! (Hope he turns out better than David did.)
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-david-ruffin-songs/
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@nwhawkfan said in 2023 Recruiting:
Ya was reading off Jayhawk Slant. I just don’t see how we WOULD NOT take this kid if he wanted to commit. - super upside. has a really sweet left jump hook, beast rim defender , and the article keeps talking about how he likes Ku and a relationshi with townsend. - say people say he is like Jo Jo - obviously not s big in bulk - -for me I’m hoping - -Although have heard some about Minnesota bein good shape
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Of course, the clips are “best of” so tend not to show “work in progress.” But I saw a lot in those clips… great vision for passing, basketball EQ, crossover capable, competitive and communicator, size and quickness… the guy is smooth and scores in various ways including while guarded he created scoring space.
He looks like he could become a quality defender.
I just can’t recall seeing so many gifts in a few minutes of tape. I’m sure he is like most young players and needs time to adapt to D1, but he has a big toolset going in!
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Does anyone know… is there a list already started for Late Night attendees?
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Playing at Montverde as well which is one of the premiere schools. I’m hopeful here. I really like his game.
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KU made AJ Johnson’s top 8 (plus he’s considering G-League). No visit to KU set up although he mentions possibly setting something up. Doesn’t seem to know much about KU at this stage. I’d consider this one an extreme longshot
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If he’s contemplating turning pro out of HS maybe he’s not a great catch. I’d rather steer clear of OADs. We score big on him sticking around more than one year.
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Sounds like KU did a really good job with Johnson on his visit. 247 guy is close to putting in a CB. Jeremy Case leading the recruitment here. Sounds very, very promising!
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KU is actually really well positioned. C/O '23 looks to be a bit of a down class. That’s not surprising since those kids missed half a year of development when they were freshmen. That’s a huge loss in court time and coaching.
But KU will have a fairly experienced group returning in Fall of '23. Harris will be back. I’m guessing Cuffe will still be on the roster. Yesufu, Pettiford, Clemence, Adams, Ejifor and Udeh are more or less locks to return as well. I figure either Rice or Dick is back (probably both). You can make a very strong 8 man rotation out of that group without adding a single player. If KU brings in two guys that can fit into that rotation, they are a contender for a #1 seed, deep tournament run, etc.
The quality of the current roster means KU doesn’t need tons of help in 2023. Dennis Evans is so talented, he’s an obvious addition if he wants to join up. Chris Johnson could be an interesting fit. I don’t love his shooting stroke, but I do love his vision and athleticism. The challenge for KU is finding minutes for any additions considering that it’s doubtful Self takes minutes away from a RS-junior Harris, RS-sophomores Pettiford and Cuffe, sophomores Dick, Rice, junior Yesufu - that’s six perimeter guys. Even if someone in that group isn’t getting minutes this season anyway, or leaves due to attrition, finding minutes for more than one more perimeter guy is going to be tough unless at least two of those guys are gone.
In the post, minutes are even tighter. Clemence, Ejifor, Udeh, and possibly Adams (although I think he plays both the 3 and 4 this year) are all likely to be back for the 23/24 season. Playing more than 4 interior guys is tough, and even if Adams splits time on the perimeter (a tough ask given how loaded the perimeter rotation is this year), there’s just not much room. Evans is reason to make room, but even if they do that, someone is the odd man out
There just isn’t roster space for KU to grab a ton of guys in 2023. These things have a way of sorting themselves out, but KU only needs to add 2 or maybe 3 players, and even then, the rotation is probably pretty crowded, especially inside.
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@justanotherfan 2 wings and a guard probably. 1 wing for sure. Of course if you can get it done for Evans, you do it. I could see looking at the portal for most spots. Especially since most departures could be up in the air.
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@BeddieKU23 said in 2023 Recruiting:
Sounds like KU did a really good job with Johnson on his visit. 247 guy is close to putting in a CB. Jeremy Case leading the recruitment here. Sounds very, very promising!
I think Johnson would be a very sweet catch - -very solid
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@BShark said in 2023 Recruiting:
@justanotherfan 2 wings and a guard probably. 1 wing for sure. Of course if you can get it done for Evans, you do it. I could see looking at the portal for most spots. Especially since most departures could be up in the air.
I prefer 2 wings and a thigh when i order from El Pollo Loco. Mmm, El Pollo Loco…
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Would be more than fine with just taking Mikey, Evans and Chris Johnson as the class.
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About as good of a trio as is realistically possible.
TJ Power would be other one I’d want but doesn’t feel like we are in a great position there currently.
