Rounding out the '16 class...

[hoosierpap 14,300]

Today IU received their 3rd commitment for the class of 2016 in De'ron Davis. Also on board, Grant Gelon and Curtis Jones.

 

 

Leaving

 

Yogi F.

Max B.

Nick Z.

Troy W.

OPEN___

 

5 spots (6 if JBJ goes)

 

2-3 openings...

 

 

Current Targets:

 

SG Rawle Alkins- Alkins, in my estimation is the cream of the crop and 3rd best prospect left uncommitted in the entire class. UK and NC State look to be the stiffest competition. I don't really know what the NC State buzz is about other than he recently relocated to North Carolina but I wouldn't expect location to really be a factor in this. Rawle has played HS in Florida, New York, and now North Carolina. One thing to watch with UK is who else they sign. UK got a commit from De'Aaron Fox today, who is friends with Malik Monk and could persuade him to join him. That would seemingly eliminate UK from Rawle's list. Monk is the top SG in the class. With Rawle waiting until spring, I'd expect the staff to keep up the heat, but no doubt they'll need a few dominoes to fall their way for Rawle to end up in Bloomington.

 

PF Thon Maker- Maker seems to be fading. Sure, IU offered his younger brother which seems to have played a role but one thing IU doesn't have that ASU and ND have is a history with Ed Smith, Maker's guardian. Ed Smith seems to be in control in this one, but Maker is definitely a good kid by all accounts.

 

SG Bruce Brown- Brown is one of the best defenders in the class and would bring a real level of toughness to the class. Personally, I believe IU is in the lead. His decision to wait until spring may not be a finalized thing, but it does seem he is leaning that way. Xavier, Umass and Miami are in this one. I guess Purdue is a long shot but Brown wouldn't make travel plans and eventually ended up rescheduling to this week after Painter went out to see him. Haven't heard if that's happening. Some talk Mom wants him away from some people in the Boston area. His teammate Tyrique Jones is committed to Xavier and will sign this/next week. I'd love to know more about this one, but things are pretty tight lipped. 

 

Eron Gordon- Everyone knows this story, but seems like IU is keeping in touch. If you see IU really turn up the heat and show up at Cathedral this fall/winter I'd say that's a bad sign on Bruce Brown. I think IU gets one or the other, at this point.

 

Alpha Diallo- Really seems to be an upcoming prospect. De'ron Davis' AAU teammate for the Colorado Hawks but plays out east for Brewster Academy. I imagine DD's commitment helped some but there is some buzz he'll be committing to VCU this week so watch out for that.

 

 

 

Outside of that, you're looking at IU targeting some new faces...which is to be expected. The Davis commitment really was huge, not just from a ROI standpoint, but because it eases the pressure of finding that quality big man. I see IU now in a position to absolutely swing for the fences in Alkins and Maker, steadily recruit Brown/Gordon, identify new targets for '16 and work the hell out of '17. Today was a big day for IU, what do you guys think?

[OliviaPope40 6,651]

EG will either pick Butler or Seton Hall and I would like Thon if at all possible.

[Miller'sTheMan 1,652]

pick up Bruce Brown and then put the full court press on Alkins. If you can get one of Maker/Alkins just save the scholly for 2017 imo. 

[Stuhoo 82,035]

Put the full court press on Rawle Alkins.

 

Yup...ya gotta figure that St John's is quickly turning into a long, long shot to get Rawle. That leaves UK, IU, NCState.

 

I'm thinking that NC State leads, and that after that we're in as strong a position as anyone.

[Alford Bailey 12,421]

Hope we finish the class strong.

[hoosierpap 14,300]

Yup...ya gotta figure that St John's is quickly turning into a long, long shot to get Rawle. That leaves UK, IU, NCState.

 

I'm thinking that NC State leads, and that after that we're in as strong a position as anyone.

I don't get the NC State thing but will try to see what it's about unless someone knows. I expect some other big programs to pop up if they have an opening late and be real contenders but definitely think IU makes it deep into this. Rawle seems like he'll be one of the last guys to commit 

[HoosierTrav 7,909]

[quote name="hoosierpap" post="207611" timestamp="1447381263"]Today IU received their 3rd commitment for the class of 2016 in De'ron Davis. Also on board, Grant Gelon and Curtis Jones.


Leaving

Yogi F.
Max B.
Nick Z.
Troy W.
OPEN___

5 spots (6 if JBJ goes)

2-3 openings...


Current Targets:

SG Rawle Alkins- Alkins, in my estimation is the cream of the crop and 3rd best prospect left uncommitted in the entire class. UK and NC State look to be the stiffest competition. I don't really know what the NC State buzz is about other than he recently relocated to North Carolina but I wouldn't expect location to really be a factor in this. Rawle has played HS in Florida, New York, and now North Carolina. One thing to watch with UK is who else they sign. UK got a commit from De'Aaron Fox today, who is friends with Malik Monk and could persuade him to join him. That would seemingly eliminate UK from Rawle's list. Monk is the top SG in the class. With Rawle waiting until spring, I'd expect the staff to keep up the heat, but no doubt they'll need a few dominoes to fall their way for Rawle to end up in Bloomington.

PF Thon Maker- Maker seems to be fading. Sure, IU offered his younger brother which seems to have played a role but one thing IU doesn't have that ASU and ND have is a history with Ed Smith, Maker's guardian. Ed Smith seems to be in control in this one, but Maker is definitely a good kid by all accounts.

SG Bruce Brown- Brown is one of the best defenders in the class and would bring a real level of toughness to the class. Personally, I believe IU is in the lead. His decision to wait until spring may not be a finalized thing, but it does seem he is leaning that way. Xavier, Umass and Miami are in this one. I guess Purdue is a long shot but Brown wouldn't make travel plans and eventually ended up rescheduling to this week after Painter went out to see him. Haven't heard if that's happening. Some talk Mom wants him away from some people in the Boston area. His teammate Tyrique Jones is committed to Xavier and will sign this/next week. I'd love to know more about this one, but things are pretty tight lipped.

Eron Gordon- Everyone knows this story, but seems like IU is keeping in touch. If you see IU really turn up the heat and show up at Cathedral this fall/winter I'd say that's a bad sign on Bruce Brown. I think IU gets one or the other, at this point.

Alpha Diallo- Really seems to be an upcoming prospect. De'ron Davis' AAU teammate for the Colorado Hawks but plays out eat for Brewster Academy. I imagine DD's commitment helped some but there is some buzz he'll be committing to VCU this week so watch out for that.



Outside of that, you're looking at IU targeting some new faces...which is to be expected. The Davis commitment really was huge, not just from a ROI standpoint, but because it eases the pressure of finding that quality big man. I see IU now in a position to absolutely swing for the fences in Alkins and Maker, steadily recruit Brown/Gordon, identify new targets for '16 and work the hell out of '17. Today was a big day for IU, what do you guys think?[/quote

Huge day. You're absolutely right about being able to swing for the fences. Frontcourt is secured. Time to get an impact wing and shooting guard.

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,780]

Love how u automatically put Troy in there. So true.

[rebelhoosier848891 9,588]

Great analysis Hoosierpap---I want Alkins but I will be pleased if we get one of Alkins or Brown. The rest will take care of itself. You know Crean won't save a scholarship so watch out for a diamond in the rough.  As long as it's like OG---I will be fine with that too.  Are there any other small forwards we are looking at to replace Troy because I agree he is off to the pros after this season!

[GloryDays 5,938]

 We were one of if not the first to offer Alkins but we don't seem to be mentioned that prominently with him.

At this point I think we should make Brown our #1 priority and show him all the love we can.

In the long run he may be a better fit as he's not seen as a 1 & done type but could bring the defensive physicality at the guard position this team sorely needs.

 I'm not saying give up on Alkins at all but I really think Brown is the more viable option and the resources should be directed more towards him.

 

Think Jim Thomas!

[Brass Cannon 24,954]

I really think that Brown is target numero uno.

 

We should focus on him as much as possible.  He wants to play point, we will need a PG its  match made in heaven. 

 

Alkins is another person who should get alot of resources.  St Johns does appear to be fading, so its sorta us, UK or UNC.  Hes an adidas kid at heart and with Monk so tight with UK feels like we have a real shot.  The key will be to just win this year and show him he will have good teammates and he will know who his coach is.

 

The third scholarship I think should go to a graduate transfer or a possible defection.  But for the most part after Alkins and Brown any left over energy should be spent on 2017 recruits.   

[Bobman1 2,909]

I don't get the NC State thing but will try to see what it's about unless someone knows. I expect some other big programs to pop up if they have an opening late and be real contenders but definitely think IU makes it deep into this. Rawle seems like he'll be one of the last guys to commit

NC $tate is strange on the recruiting trail lately. They picked up Dennis Smith Jr today and he's a top prospect in his class obviously. Let's all hope Rawle picks the Hoosers over NC $tate!

[Kepner 1,261]

Love how u automatically put Troy in there. So true.

I feel like he will go no matter if he is truly ready or not

[hoosierpap 14,300]

I feel like he will go no matter if he is truly ready or not

Yeah, if troy gets injured he stays. Otherwise, there are some scouts slobbering over him. He's a shoe in to leave thats why I considered it. JBJ, idk. He wants to go but mama values education (big time) so unless it's worth it he won't go, imo. 

[JaybobHoosier 11,952]

Thanks Pap, that was awesome!!!

I too am in the boat to make Brown our #1 choice. He seems to be the most realistic, and is a very good guard to get. Today was a huge sigh of relief for the team, can't wait to see where it goes!

[Hoosiers219 178]

Excellent summary/analysis by the original poster. I Agree 100% with the proposed course of action.

[Sota Hoosier 450]

Thanks for the post. Great analysis.

Imagine playing Thon at the 3 with DD and TB in the front court next year. That would be an incredibly difficult matchup for any opponent.

I think Brown is very realistic and we're in a good spot with him but the spring announcement is a little worrisome. I certainly enjoy his reluctance towards PUke in the meantime.

I think 1/3 on these dudes would be great but would be ecstatic to get 2/3.

Cheers to DD for joining the '16 class and to CTC the rest of the way!

[Kepner 1,261]

I know Thon is an athletic player that can play down low and on the wing but evidently he loved Notre Dame's pitch of having him be the only big man surrounded constantly by 4 shooters, so Im not sure if he wants to play the wing as we all think. 

I think we should just give Bruce Brown all we got and add him as our last piece. He is a guard that will stay multiple years and would probably come in and be able to contribute with his D and scoring from day 1

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

Yeah I'm in the camp of all in for Brown and Diallo. I think any extra energy should be put into Thon and 2017

[BtownBanner6 1,298]

I don't know, if all is how it sounds Rawle is an option that I think we need to lock In. Special talent that guy is.