Ok so lets see if new recruiting thread
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Recruiting is funny. It was believed last year that by far KU’s best shot at a big in 2018 was Carte’are Gordon. Then Self’s nemesis Pig Face slams the door on that one. So of course Self gets a long perceived Maryland lean and then it comes out later that De Sousa had been long interested in KU and was hoping for an offer/visit.
Anyway I agree I think he is a tremendous player and if he had been active in the AAU circuit more he’d still be top 15 I think. Not that rankings change what kind of player he is. Just like Garrett though I think he could be undervalued. Though Garrett was on a different scale, they bumped him up to the 50 range just about right before his commitment to KU iirc.
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Hmm, Florida really does have a lot of PGs visiting. Including a top 100 in state prospect that they are probably a lock for. Hopefully this means something…
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Good point about Gordon.
I’m really excited that we had little clue what was going on with De Sousa until he was already committed. We rarely have that happen nowadays.
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They have a great chance at Devoe and Weaver from what I gather. Of course Florida fans etc will downplay what that means with Dotson but it’s definitely significant. I also don’t think Florida could have afforded to recruit just one PG with how much of a need they have at the position. We don’t see KU getting involved with other PG’s at this point which gives me even more assurance the Dotson deal has been done for as long as its been reported by Slater
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It definitely appears as if the staff is confident. Haven’t seen a redoubled effort on a kid such as Dosunmu or Carey.
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The Adidas part of this I think makes it even more assuring. I think we’d definitely see Self on more kids if they needed to be
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@BeddieKU23 Yep, Adidas should be helpful this year. I think Maryland did have an inclination about De Sousa as they started showing interest in a couple post players in the 200 ranking range.
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They also signed Smith who’s a Top 40 big and it looks like they relied too much on the Fernando connection here. I can understand them being upset but wow that’s a salty bunch that has gotten way ahead of itself in where it stands in the pecking order of College Basketball. KU flexed its muscle here with De Sousa and I’m glad the kid fell in love with everything KU on his visit.
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Ok, maybe cause it’s labor day weekend the last major holiday of the summer, maybe it’s the coolness of the upcoming fall morning air - - BUT for some reason I’m starting to get this little feel good about McCormack. - -Call me crazy, but for some reason I’m just starting to get this feeling, that maybe we might be in a little better shape then what we thought. - -I dunno maybe the Silvio De Sousa commit, coming out of left field beyond the fence, has giving me ne inspired hope - -some confidence. - Could it be? - -Could we pull off a 2nd recruit where others were considered the favorites or at least strong leans for other schools? - -Last I knew was McCormack was pretty involved with Duke. - Now McCormack gives us an un- official AND is coming back on an official. - -Any time a kid uses their own money for a visit - means they have to have a decent amount of interest anyways - -then to return on an official? - -I know I’m looney probably - -BUT question is just how looney lol. - I’m mean JUMPIN - - GEE - -HOSSIE - - TOADS - -wouldn’t be a sweet landing, very solid big - -time will tell, probably just me, whatcha think - -think we have a legitimate shot at this guy? - - - ROCK CHALK AL DAY LONG BABY
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BeddieKU23 said:
They also signed Smith who’s a Top 40 big and it looks like they relied too much on the Fernando connection here. I can understand them being upset but wow that’s a salty bunch that has gotten way ahead of itself in where it stands in the pecking order of College Basketball. KU flexed its muscle here with De Sousa and I’m glad the kid fell in love with everything KU on his visit.
Yeah and honestly Jalen Smith is very good. They should be happy they had such a great talent sitting in their back yard. Such a heavy lean that Turg couldn’t blow it. Lol.
Plus Fernando is definitely a multi-year player aaaand MD is making a hard push for Moses Brown. If you are De Sousa honestly the path to playing time looks easier at KU. Especially if he was told Preston and Doke are leaving. He will be the #1 option at C in that scenario.
@jayballer54 He decided to come back for a 2nd visit so I’d say he is interested in KU.
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BShark said:
Matt Scott mentioned on the shiver that Grimes’ visit situation “might get a little weird”. Whatever that means.
Does it have anything to do with Hurricane Harvey since Grimes is a Houston area kid and lives in a part of Houston that got hit harder than most.
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Could be @Texas-Hawk-10
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That’s good to hear. The next one up is Kansas. How did the Jayhawks
make the list? What impact does Silvio De Sousa choosing them have on
your recruitment at all?
Well, Kansas is a much bigger school. Coach Self is a great coach.
Coach Howard is a guy I have a close relationship with. They’ve done a
good job with bigs and fours with my playing style, so it was
definitely a program that I could see myself in and see myself playing
in. As far as Silvio De Sousa, I won’t see it as affecting my decision.
I know his playing style. He’s a stretch four player, much more
athletic, so I could see him playing more on the outside than being a
post player like myself.
You’re more of a skilled low-post guy.
Right.
How was that unofficial to Kansas? What was that experience like?
It was a really good experience. They’re more of a college town
probably, a really good college town. It’s really nice. It’s not only
there for a school, but it fits my style of basketball cause Coach
Naismith…
Lots of great players. When you went, did you go both to a game or go
off-season and went around campus?
Just off-season.
In terms of how they see you fitting in, do they see you as more of a
four-five? What’s the plan there?
They definitely see me as more of a four-five, treating my position as
a low-post player.
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@BShark Just came off 247 - -after reading the interview, I have to say that I feel better yet, he went quite in depth about our Program, the city, the Coaches - - -pretty lengthy - all sound pretty positive from the interview to me. - I think when it’s all said and done it’s going to come down to a KU-Duke battle to see who lands him Okla St with maybe an outside shot - but I just gotta feel from reading all the others in his final 6 this is how it will shake out - -KU/Duke. - -He is concerned about the De Sousa commitment - -plays more outside, the stretch four, would be nice to pair him up - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY - Oh he is a pretty big boy that’s always nice bulk
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@jayballer54 I took his comment to mean that he is NOT concerned about the De Sousa signing. I am wondering how serious the Quickley visit is, and how that might affect Dotson or Grimes. Sure would be nice to get two of the three plus Z. Williamson. That would be a super class to put with the Lawson’s, Garrett, Mitch, Moore, Cunliffe, and hopefully Vick. Big Dave or anyone else that might be back would be frosting on the cake.
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Not serious. Quickley is a wildcat, he just hasn’t announced it yet.
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@Big-Clyde52 Ya sorry about that. - -After I read your reply to me, I went back and saw my post. - I typed wrong your exactly right, I went to say that McCormack wasn’t concerned about Silvio committing for us, said De Sousa would be or so he thought would be playing more outside where McCormack would be playing down low, my bad lol. - - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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The recruiting world was surprised on Wednesday afternoon when the news of Silvio De Sousa’s commitment to KU broke. It wasn’t surprise that De Sousa committed to Kansas, it was more surprising that he did it without visiting Maryland - who has long been thought to be the leader for De Sousa.
Now the De Sousa has committed to Kansas it’s time to look ahead and see what he will bring to Kansas once he arrives in June. According to 247Sports Director of Scouting Jerry Meyer, De Sousa will be a terrific fit in Coach Self’s system at KU.
“De Sousa found a great fit in the traditional high-low attack of Kansas,” said Meyer. “He does a great job of controlling space down low and is also effective with the basketball in the high post,” he added.
Meyer also thinks that playing in a structured offense will help De Sousa thrive at the next level.
“I would expect him to thrive in a structured system that values touches in the low post,” said Meyer.
247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater also thinks the Jayhawks landing a perfect fit in De Sousa.
“Silvio De Sousa is a tremendous pick-up for the Jayhawks. With his mix of a high motor, very good athleticism, and strength, he’s one of the premier two-way rebounders in the class,” said Slater.
Slater says De Sousa’s athleticism and versatility are two reasons why De Sousa is able to guard multiple positions on the defensive end of the court. “He’s a good rim-running big man, who can defend both the four and the five,” said Slater. De Sousa has worked hard to improve many aspects of his game, something that Slater has taken note of while watching him over the last year. “The Angola native used to be more turnover and foul-prone, but both of those areas have been dramatically cut down on, as he adjusted to American basketball. Defensively, he uses his active hands and good lateral quickness to generate steals and as a good weak-side shot-blocker. His weakness right now is with his face-up game and similarly at the free throw line, but, with his work ethic, I fully expect him to become a more complete big man. His preferred uptempo style fits with what coach Bill Self has historically been so successful with,” added Slater.
Author Matt Scott @
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@KUSTEVE That steals part is pretty spot on. I watched his U19 games with Angola and he extremely active and disruptive on the defensive end. Self is gonna love this kid.
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@BShark We’ve needed a guy like him for awhile.
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Jamari with skills would be nice. A point forward player would do really well in the high-low. Jamari almost got it, but he wasn’t skilled enough. You’d see flashes where he’d drive the lane, but that was his limit.
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@KUSTEVE That highlight video I saw had him knocking down 3 pointers. Seemed like he had a good release, nice and smooth. Should translate to the freethrow line…
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@dylans He is an elite rebounder - Jamari wasn’t. He has some pretty good ball handling skills - Jamari didn’t. He can score with his back to the basket -Jamari couldn’t. He can defend the rim - Jamari did average a block a game, but I wouldn’t classify him as a rim defender. He can shoot from 3 - Jamari couldn’t. He can drive to the basket - Jamari could as well. He can steal the ball - Jamari had quick hands, but not in the same league as Silvio. The hi-lo with Tarik and Jamari was a thing of beauty …those short passes were sweet. Beyond that, I don’t see an equivilance between Silvio and Jamari. With this kid’s nose for rebounds, I would venture to say we have a mini TRob. They are calling him an elite rebounder on both sides of the court.
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@KUSTEVE TRob was pretty limited offensively. I hope Silvio is more well rounded, but we shall see.
(Love me some TRob, but Simien was better.)
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@KUSTEVE We also tend to forget that Jamari really only played a little while in organized ball before attending IMG. I think he never developed ball handling skills and the eye for shooting at an early enough age for those things to become instinctive.
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@dylans Any question of TRob gets my interest.
Comparing Simien vs. TRob, both in their junior seasons – TRob obviously didn’t have a senior season.
Simien - 17.8 pts, 9.3 reb, .9 blocks, 1.2 assists, .9 steals
TRob - 17.7, 11.9 reb, .9 blocks, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals
Simien’s senior season was terrific as well, 20.3/11.0/.6/1.4/.6
Obviously different players. Simien could really hit that turn around 12-15 footer and was more diverse offensively. TRob had the benefit of Withey down low with him.
For my money, I’d go with TRob at the 4 spot. Simien was obviously smaller. Don’t know what a senior season would have brought for TRob. Can’t go wrong either way.
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Simien was also a very good FT shooter and you did not have to worry having him in the game at the end of close games; he shot 0.816 in his senior year and his career average at KU was 0.784. I don’t believe has had a big shoot that well from the FT since he left.
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@JayHawkFanToo Withey took it up high his junior year, 79.5%, but fell back to 71.4% senior year. Simien was great. Too bad injuries curtailed both college and pro opportunities for greatness (if only vs Syracuse…Simien and Graves both out there…sigh.)
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Well just got my fix on KU Basketball to help carry me through – lol, watched a high lite reel talking about and showing clips of beware of the Phog - -showed where Robinson blocked ol boys last second lay up attempt from Mizzery - showed Mario’s last second shot to tie the game against Memphis in the NCAA Championship game - fans reaction back at the phog during that game - -Damm can ya feel it? - - -It’s coming. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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@dylans TRob averaged 17 ppg and over 11 rebounds a game his junior year. He had his offensive limitations, but…he has been the best rebounder in the modern era, better than even Collison. Our interior defense has not been the same caliber since him and Withey left. Now, we got some flashes with Embiid, and Perry and Landen did a solid job (for the most part) down low, but nothing like TRob/ Withey.
I want a kid described by scouts as an “elite rebounder on both ends”. It’s good he has quick hands, has great fundamentals, and is an offensive threat, but I want the boards, man. Pair him with Dedric down low, and that is an elite rebounding tandem.
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Some early names to keep an eye on for future 2020 : - – # 1 Isaiah Todd 6’10 PF- - N Carol 50 %- - KU 50%- - - - -# 6 R J Hampton 6’4 PG- - Current Texas 100%- - - - # 7 Greg Brown 6’7 PF- - KU 100%- - - - - -# 16 N’ faly Donte 6’11 C- - only KU showing warm interest at present.- - - - # 26 Adam Miller 6’3 PG- - KU warm interest- - - - #32 Jabri Abdur - Rahim 6’5 SF - - already big time offers, 16 offers already, looks to big time - for sure gonna move up - offers from Ariz, Cal, U Conn, Florida, & KU listed right now of top 5 of interest- - - - # 35 Nicco Mannion 6’1 PG - -from schools shown looks like he will stay back on coast only KU the lone exception at this point. Others Ariz 100% - -right now on the CB - - UCLA , Utah , Oregon.
So there you go, just a few - - -will definitely change - -very , very , early with these kids - -a lot of the top 60 haven’t even received offers yet or showed where they have - -obviously things will change as time goes by - -a lot more of these top 60 KU might /probably has interest in, just not offered yet, so it doesn’t show - - -just passing time guys patiently waiting lol - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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When you look at the entire body of work while at KU, I would have to give Simien the edge. He was unstoppable inside and when fouled he was gold at the FT line and he did not have Jeff Whitey protecting the rim behind him. Both great KU players with amazing personal stories.
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TRob was a beast. He didn’t play defense consistently, but he always rebounded well and would throw the ball down with authority. Robinson had no jumper though.
Simien was a good rebounder and had a good jump shot. Great free throw shooter. Never lazed around on d or o. Good off the court leadership ability also.
The main deciding factor for me is the jumpshot. Poor defensive effort by TRob (probably to save on fouling) is also a big factor. Both players were fantastic for KU and I’d gladly take another of each.
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@JayHawkFanToo I’m not debating who was best - i am looking for players that are good rebounders, and TRob came to mind. If Simien was better than TRob, then change the names in your mind when you read my post. It’s like a DIY post.
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Lol and Kentucky fans continue to amaze. - Original post question was asked - -had anyone heard anything on Grimes and was UK still in the race for him?
Variety of response but most as you could imagine not good. Simple response was No - -But then one’s like oh mom went to Choke U and he probably would too - - To response such as Grimes sucks and so does any school he goes to - The this He probably goes to KU is he has enough felonies for Self - -Anytime they lose out on a recruit he automatically sucks - - isn’t with a dam they wasn’t recruiting in the 1st place - gota love them lol - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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The funny thing is UK is recruiting him and will probably get a visit.
McCormack looks like he will decide soon: http://www.zagsblog.com/2017/09/06/david-mccormack-closing-college-decision/
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@BShark I think we are sitting in REALLY good shape with McCormack.- -says he is closing in on a decision - getting antsy, saying he had a " Great Time" time at KU
Says he has visited Xavier , Ku and NC State. both KU & Xavier on un-offical and going back to both to Xavier & KU on officals - -Coach says they are both very much in the picture
Says he supposedly has visits for Duke & UCLA -" IF " it gets that far his Coach says I don’t know if it will go past September - -I think he likes a Couple of Schools.
He really liked NC State last weekend & he likes KU - -ALOT. I don’t know just from the sounds of this -I like our chances. - -He may not even go visit Duke OR UCLA. - -with him visiting us twice and the comments he made after his visit about the history of KU - -Naismith him talking about how he could see himself fitting right in and being able to play high or low - -I personally think this sounds pretty good.
Would love to land him has improved his shot it said to 17 ft lost some weight - still big boy. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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@BShark Thanks for the link as well as all of your other insights. It does sound positive for us. McCormack would be a great get for us.
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@jayballer54 Thanks for all of your updates. It is funny hearing some of the UK comments. I don’t think I could read all of them though…might upset me too much.
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The only negative part would be how much mentioned wanting to play through mistakes. That seems like the kind of thing other coaches would bring up against Self.
I think this kid would be a great addition.
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@BShark True, but I’ve got a feeling Coach would have some tendency to allow him to play through some of his mistakes - I hope anyways and I think he would I’ve am getting a good feeling about him.
I’m now for seeing this class possibly - pretty decent chance at landing this: Ok, already got De Sousa, then we land McCormack, Grimes & Dotson - and " MAYBE " a chance of Williamson - -I could live with that - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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Well it will be interesting cause this is the Weekend Devon was suppose to visit Florida, but with hurricane Irma hitting there probably have to re-schedule I guess. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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@jayballer54 It is a sign! “Go to Kansas, in Tornado Alley, but where a storm with tornado-force winds is never 300 miles by 500 miles in size!”
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jayballer54 said:
@BShark True, but I’ve got a feeling Coach would have some tendency to allow him to play through some of his mistakes - I hope anyways and I think he would I’ve am getting a good feeling about him.
I’m now for seeing this class possibly - pretty decent chance at landing this: Ok, already got De Sousa, then we land McCormack, Grimes & Dotson - and " MAYBE " a chance of Williamson - -I could live with that - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
I have no doubt he would play, it just sounds like what other coaches are pushing since the kid mentioned it.
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@mayjay True but the F-5 tornado has winds clocked at 300 mph been though two F-% and anything that can strip bark off a tree and drive a straw through a 2x4 umm ya either way no joke. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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@BShark Ya probably so, but if he is as smart as he seems to come off to me he will read through that or he will understand that Coach will work with him. - -With some of the comments he made about his visit, and then on top of his High School Coach talking about what a great visit he had here, then him coming back for late night - - -I think late night finishes the deal for us, I just think he really really likes KU, but I’ve felt good about others before and they came back to haunt me - we shall see. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY
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Big Dave is not a fit in Keatts style of play so I’ll be shocked if that’s where he thinks he’s best suited to go. Looks like KU and Xavier are getting follow up official visits and maybe will end his recruitment after that. Xavier definitely has some playing time available for him with Kanter/O’Mara being Sr’s and only 1 other Center on the roster. This should be a battle KU can win especially with the Late Night visit.
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One time KU target Jamie Lewis is reopening his recruitment. Doesn’t look like he had a great summer.
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Devon Dotson’s visit to UF this weekend has been cancelled.
