(2018) SG Romeo Langford - INDIANA HOOSIERS

[Uspshoosier 45,205]

No college coaches have visited Romeo recently. Coach Shannon told rabjohns this morning


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[BH33 596]

Jonathan Givony of ESPN updated his 2019 mock draft.

#5 Magic - Romeo Langford

No other IU players listed.

[HinnyHoosier 4,806]

The fact Chris007 knows would indicate at least one leak at IU. And of course they would leak it. It helps with perception for potential 2018 bigs and 2019 recruits. 

Agreed.

And if it felt like a gamble at all, they wouldn't (or shouldn't) have leaked anything. You don't want recruits seeing a program who blows smoke when there's no fire.

But that's just my average-joe observation. There are undoubtedly internal details and workings of which I know nothing about.


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[Brass Cannon 24,271]

2 minutes ago, BH33 said:

Jonathan Givony of ESPN updated his 2019 mock draft.

#5 Magic - Romeo Langford

No other IU players listed.

He underestimates the power of Moore

[Class of '66 Old Fart 84,073]

Interesting read especially for many of us who are especially high on Robert Phinisee's IU career.

Justin Kenney - Fort Wayne News-Sentinel:  What if Romeo Langford isn’t the most important 2018 recruit for Indiana?

On April 30 when he makes his college choice, Romeo Langford will become either one of the most loved Hoosiers of all time or one of the most despised.

It is likely at this point that the former will be correct.

But what if I was to tell you that Romeo Langford is NOT the most important recruit for the Indiana University Hoosiers in the Class of 2018?

Oh, I’m dead serious.

Now is about the time that most will stop reading this, go to Twitter or their nearest IU basketball message board, and call me names. Just save yourself some time. I’m married, so I’ve been called every name in the book.

So hear me out.

Since the departure of Yogi Ferrell following the 2015-16 season, Indiana has struggled to find a true, dual-threat point guard. Josh Newkirk was not the answer. Robert Johnson was probably the guard with the best passing skills over the last two years, but he was a natural two guard.

Devonte Green? Inconsistency has been the lone consistent trait of the combo guard over two seasons.

Al Durham? Eh, maybe.

Numbers back up the narrative. This past season, Indiana ranked 119th in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio, near the likes of Jacksonville State and Santa Clara. To be fair, this is a tremendous improvement from the 2016-17 campaign when the Hoosiers ranked 236th. But it is still far from good. Three of this year’s Final Four teams ranked in the top 19 in the statistic, with Loyola-Chicago (68th) the outlier.

The Hoosiers also ranked 121st in the nation in assists per game, tied with Fort Wayne, you know, that Summit League program that has punked IU in back-to-back years.

Despite Langford’s elite scoring ability and five-star status, he is not the guy that, long-term, holds the key to a hoops resurgence in Bloomington.

Hoosier fans, your most important recruit is point guard Robert Phinisee.

The senior concluded his McCutcheon career as one of only 53 prep basketball players in Indiana to surpass 2,000 career points. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound point averaged 29.4 points and 5.8 assists per game in his final year with the Mavericks. He is as smooth of a scorer in this state this side of Romeo with exceptional court vision and the knowledge and skill needed to develop into one of the best college point guards in the country.

But most important of all, unlike Romeo, Phinisee will be an Indiana Hoosier for multiple seasons.

Yes, landing Romeo will be huge for Indiana. It will give Coach Archie Miller and the Hoosiers a five-star in-state talent to immediately insert into a lineup that desperately needs an influx of elite. It could, COULD influence the likes of Keion Brooks Jr. and Trayce Jackson-Davis as IU zeroes in on the best in the Class of 2019.

But what does Romeo get you long term? If he delivers as advertised at the college level, Indiana will have him for one year. If Hoosier Nation is lucky enough that he pulls a Miles Bridges, you stretch that to two years.

Are two years enough to return Indiana to college basketball’s elite? Does Romeo unlock the doors into the living rooms of other five-star talents in the coming years?

Those questions are open for debate. But you know what isn’t?

Duke has four of the top 12 Class of 2018 prospects (according to 247sports.com) locked up. That’s four Romeos.

Kentucky has three of the top 20 players in this class – all five-star guys. That’s arguably three Romeos.

Conclusion: Landing a single Romeo Langford does not put you among the Dukes and Kentuckys of the world.

But landing a Phinisee? A guy who could end up being a three-year starter at the point (I am predicting he does not start as a true frosh)? Someone who has the moxie, selflessness, and versatility to be a true floor leader for the Hoosiers?

Let’s take a look at the Final Four teams this year and examine their point guards.

Kansas had Devonte’ Graham, a four-year player in the program who averaged over seven assists a game as a senior.

Michigan? Sophomore Zavier Simpson was the primary point in a three-guard rotation. Senior Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman saw plenty of action as a one guard as well, boasting the third-best assist-to-turnover ratio (4.33) in the country and No. 1 in the Big Ten.

Villanova, of course, had Jalen Brunson, who earned the starting point guard spot as a freshman to help the program to a national title in 2016. He did it again as a seasoned junior this year.

Loyola-Chicago’s top two assist guys were veterans junior Clayton Custer and senior Ben Richardson.

The point is, as exciting as landing one-and-done talent is, it is the multiple-year guys that truly make the longer-lasting difference on a program. No one outside of Duke and Kentucky can stay elite by continuing to land five-star talent that exits to the NBA after a year or two.

A Romeo Langford commitment to Indiana on April 30 will certainly feel like a state holiday for legions of Hoosiers fans. It will give the program what it needs in the short term, but will it make a difference three or four years from now?

With Phinisee, that is not even a question.

[JustWinWoody 3,374]

3 minutes ago, Class of '66 Old Fart said:

With Phinisee, that is not even a question.

I think there is a reason Archie coveted RP so much.  Sure, he went after "AD", but I always got the feel Archie was all in on RP regardless.  He sees the long term "staying" power he will bring to IU.  He just seems like an "Archie" kind of kid.

[Chris007 43,567]

Happy 4/20!!! Only 10 more days till Romeo. Don't forget to leave your milk and cookies out for Snoop Dog. 

[JustWinWoody 3,374]

3 minutes ago, Fkfootball1 said:

I don' t think KU is a big threat. Too far.

IU is the ONLY decision that make sense!

[Walking Boot of Doom 18,170]

That's been an argument that I've supported throughout this recruitment. If Phinisee is as underrated as it seems, as a four year PG he's far more valuable to our program, in my opinion.

The argument that Romeo automatically helps make Indiana an in-state destination again is faulty in my opinion. Indiana will be a preferred destination again once we can do two things:

1) Compete at a high level over multiple years

2) Demonstrate the ability to develop players (not known NBA talent) into draft prospects

Players like Phinisee will provide the stability and consistency that a OAD cannot.

Romeo is going to pay dividends as well though. Can't wait for him to put on the candy stripes.

[Dalton26 16,892]

8 minutes ago, Walking Boot of Doom said:

That's been an argument that I've supported throughout this recruitment. If Phinisee is as underrated as it seems, as a four year PG he's far more valuable to our program, in my opinion.

The argument that Romeo automatically helps make Indiana an in-state destination again is faulty in my opinion. Indiana will be a preferred destination again once we can do two things:

1) Compete at a high level over multiple years

2) Demonstrate the ability to develop players (not known NBA talent) into draft prospects

Players like Phinisee will provide the stability and consistency that a OAD cannot.

Romeo is going to pay dividends as well though. Can't wait for him to put on the candy stripes.

Not to mention if a guy like Phinisee shows he can play with the OAD's that will do nothing but help us with other top guys too. Having a PG that can make it work with anyone is a huge Ace up our sleeve.

[Stuhoo 79,798]

 

From a staff writer for the Kansas 247 site:

Ryan Noel

• 
• 
• 

• Ryan Noel
• (47909)
• 184 months
•  
• FWIW, I heard its Indiana.

[BH33 596]

3 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

 

From a staff writer for the Kansas 247 site:

Ryan Noel

• 
• 
• 

• Ryan Noel
• (47909)
• 184 months
•  
• FWIW, I heard its Indiana.

Although it's hidden under VIP, Ryan Noel made his pick 8 days ago. His title doesn't list Kansas 247 when he picks, but good to know.

[Brass Cannon 24,271]

4 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

 

From a staff writer for the Kansas 247 site:

Ryan Noel

• 
• 
• 

• Ryan Noel
• (47909)
• 184 months
•  
• FWIW, I heard its Indiana.

Lol good to know

[Dalton26 16,892]

It's so nice being on this side of a top recruitment for once. I got so use to just expecting the top guys to go somewhere else. It feels like Christmas is coming in April.

[Dalton26 16,892]

Apparently Tim Langford shot down the report that Self stopped by, although I'm not sure anyone really believed it.

[Brass Cannon 24,271]

4 minutes ago, Dalton26 said:

Apparently Tim Langford shot down the report that Self stopped by, although I'm not sure anyone really believed it.

Yeah guys it's the 21st century. Coaches don't come by with an envelope of money anymore. The shoe companies hire their parents to do some consulting for 200,000 dollars a day. 

[jonz44 805]

28 minutes ago, Dalton26 said:

It's so nice being on this side of a top recruitment for once. I got so use to just expecting the top guys to go somewhere else. It feels like Christmas is coming in April.

The scrooge is listening. Let's not count chickens until they're hatched lol. 

[mdn82 25,510]

That's been an argument that I've supported throughout this recruitment. If Phinisee is as underrated as it seems, as a four year PG he's far more valuable to our program, in my opinion.
The argument that Romeo automatically helps make Indiana an in-state destination again is faulty in my opinion. Indiana will be a preferred destination again once we can do two things:
1) Compete at a high level over multiple years
2) Demonstrate the ability to develop players (not known NBA talent) into draft prospects
Players like Phinisee will provide the stability and consistency that a OAD cannot.
Romeo is going to pay dividends as well though. Can't wait for him to put on the candy stripes.

IF Phinisee develops like we all hope he is the ying to the yang to the OAD. You have to have those players to win. He is as valuable as Romeo long term. But let’s also be real. Getting a Romeo makes IU a potential optional destination school for OAD players as well. That’s pretty huge as well. No pressure Archie.


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[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

21 minutes ago, mdn82 said:

IF Phinisee develops like we all hope he is the ying to the yang to the OAD. You have to have those players to win. He is as valuable as Romeo long term. But let’s also be real. Getting a Romeo makes IU a potential optional destination school for OAD players as well. That’s pretty huge as well. No pressure Archie.


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With Romeo our 2018-'19 season ceiling goes Way up!

[Old Friend 8,389]

I am of the school that says there are many ways to win in college basketball.   The one I prefer is the "seniors plus an exceptional talent or two."   And I suppose "upper classmen" is what I really mean; not necessarily seniors.

Michigan's team proved (and seems to prove every year) that you don't need superstars, but you do need consistency and players who can just be steady, produce, and guard/rebound.   

Romeo - to me - is like an unexpected Christmas present.  A  Red Rider bee bee gun.  He makes things a hell of a lot of fun; and I would love to have him.   He's gone quickly however, and I'm more interested in kids who will stay 3-4 years which makes Indiana better over the long haul.  

Phinisee is ready right now.  He will develop over 4 years, but he will contribute significantly if not start next season.  I'm skeptical of Anderson.   He stood around a LOT in their semi state game v Carmel and scored just 6 points.   Not impressed one bit.  Hoping it was an anomaly.  

That said, Indiana is in great shape with a ton of really solid players whether Romeo comes or not.  I doubt he'll influence anybody.  Seriously, Indiana had 2 lottery picks 5 years ago, one a national player of the year when he was in high school; and it didn't open any flood gates.   I don't buy the argument that says "Romeo would make it cool" to come to IU.   If Victor Oladipo hasn't already done that, I'm not sure it can be done.  He stayed 3 years, by the way.  One and done's don't do much for programs if you ask me.  Kentucky's model is crumbling.  Only Duke seems to have any kind of consistent success with them; and when you have a 5 time national champ coach who's also an Olympic/international Team USA coach, you'll have that.   

I would LOVE to get Romeo.  But if he goes somewhere else; I still think Indiana will be fine.