(2015) PF Raymond Spalding to Louisville

[Walking Boot of Doom 18,170]

[quote name="hoosierpap" post="74866" timestamp="1405893677"]I agree it's a bit concerning, from the outside, that we prioritized a kid who became a UL lean when they offered. But, from the inside, the staff felt it was not a lost cause until this morning when the decision had been made and they did not attend his 8 am game. I'm not saying the staff didn't have any idea before then, it's obvious by our latest interests/offers, but they didn't feel it was a lost cause. It's easier to see it from the "outside perspective", than the "inside perspective", because this internet forum is not taking place in the 2-3 conversations every day between RS and CTC. IU's pitch was strong. So call it emotional or what ever you please, but the staff is not stupid, and if they think they had a shot due to the amount of work they put into this one and the relationship they built then good, I'm glad they stuck it through.

I can almost guarantee you that the staff would have faced criticism from this same internet forum had they put that prior work in and not made him a priority as we saw his stock skyrocket this July. I really don't defend the staff and Crean, blindly, but I would have played it the same way if I were them. Maybe we differ there. What would you have done, walked away? Prioritize who?[/quote] Spalding was quoted earlier saying he and CTC talked everyday and that CTC was becoming one of his "best friends". How can anyone foresee that we didn't have a strong chance. Very tricky situation.


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[8bucks 6,118]

[quote name="hoosierpap" post="74866" timestamp="1405893677"]I agree it's a bit concerning, from the outside, that we prioritized a kid who became a UL lean when they offered. But, from the inside, the staff felt it was not a lost cause until this morning when the decision had been made and they did not attend his 8 am game. I'm not saying the staff didn't have any idea before then, it's obvious by our latest interests/offers, but they didn't feel it was a lost cause. It's easier to see it from the "outside perspective", than the "inside perspective", because this internet forum is not taking place in the 2-3 conversations every day between RS and CTC. IU's pitch was strong. So call it emotional or what ever you please, but the staff is not stupid, and if they think they had a shot due to the amount of work they put into this one and the relationship they built then good, I'm glad they stuck it through.

I can almost guarantee you that the staff would have faced criticism from this same internet forum had they put that prior work in and not made him a priority as we saw his stock skyrocket this July. I really don't defend the staff and Crean, blindly, but I would have played it the same way if I were them. Maybe we differ there. What would you have done, walked away? Prioritize who?[/quote]

You seem closer to the program than I and if that is the case I appreciate your connection there and to this forum.

Being a fan I do not really prioritize who I want. I let the coaches scout, evaluate, and recruit while I hope for a consistently competitive team.

When the coaches prioritize kids and consistently miss since Blackman it is concerning. I think it is fair to criticize lack of results even if I cannot articulate an alternate plan.




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[Stuhoo 75,559]

FWIW, the UK boards are saying that IU and Xavier did not miss out on much by missing out on Ray Spalding.

 

True, they do not miss any opportunity to slam UL, but they also have no love for us. Posters on RR that have seen Spalding play live say that he's a nice player and a good kid, but lacks physicality and would not have any impact until maybe his junior or senior year.

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,725]

FWIW, the UK boards are saying that IU and Xavier did not miss out on much by missing out on Ray Spalding.
 
True, they do not miss any opportunity to slam UL, but they also have no love for us. Posters on RR that have seen Spalding play live say that he's a nice player and a good kid, but lacks physicality and would not have any impact until maybe his junior or senior year.

That shows where our team is compared to others in front court. Guys that are backup guys for 2-3 years on other teams, could be feature players in our front court. Our front court playing time is ripe for the picking. That is what is so frustrating. I agree though, Spalding is not a 5 star superstar but he is a nice piece who appears to be blossoming.

[Stuhoo 75,559]

That shows where our team is compared to others in front court. Guys that are backup guys for 2-3 years on other teams, could be feature players in our front court. Our front court playing time is ripe for the picking. That is what is so frustrating. I agree though, Spalding is not a 5 star superstar but he is a nice piece who appears to be blossoming.

 

I get the sense that Spalding is very much like Christian Watford, maybe a little more athletic and a little less outside touch. Needs a few years to play with the aggression needed to succeed at a high level.