Recruiting: 2016

[valpotx]

The only other offer that Rowdy had was from Pacific.  If this guy has that kind of potential starting his FR year (similar to Rowdy's first year), I will take it .

[M]

I think our last two spots need to be filled with shooters.  At least one, if not both, graduate transfers or at least a transfer with immediate availability.  With Smits, Adekoya, new giant we have the paint area taken care of (I'd argue that with Tevo and Hammink's driving ability you can put them in that category too).  Get me some shooters!

[vu72]

Not sure I've seen this before.  Our new Spaniard is a Rivals 3 Star!

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/186615

[crusader05]

I agree. I want someone who can make shots fall and not just open 3s. I wouldn't mind someone who can make deeper twos and help us shoot out of the zone.

Also, just on a temperment wise. I want someone with some fire in the belly. We have a lot of cold as steel characters out there (Peters, Walker) But we need someone out there who's going to bring some serious energy as I think that could help us in our flater moments.

[Vale O. Paradise]

Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso

[valpopal]

Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso

Robinson is a 3-star recruit out of Chicago's Kenwood (same school as Valpo's other recruit, Zion Morgan, who had committed then reopened his recruitment). Robinson says he will announce his college decision on Wednesday.

[valpo64]

Are either one of these guys leaning towards us?  What are our chances?

[oklahomamick]

Scouts has Zion listed as a 2 star.  Don't know why he re-opened, looks like only offers are from Ball St. and Toledo.

[vufan75]

Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso

Robinson is a 3-star recruit out of Chicago's Kenwood (same school as Valpo's other recruit, Zion Morgan, who had committed then reopened his recruitment). Robinson says he will announce his college decision on Wednesday.

If Robinson held out this long, I would speculate he might have been looking for high major offers. He has one or two of those offers now. Cal is one I recall. Remember he decommitted from Indiana State awhile ago. Would love it if he chooses Valpo, but would be a bit surprised. Hope he does...never say never! #GoValpo

Yes, it does have him listed on the roster: http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329

Yep. I was looking at the varsity not the prep.

Not sure I've seen this before.  Our new Spaniard is a Rivals 3 Star!

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/186615

[VU2014]

Pretty pumped about our new big guy. Just from the clips it looks like has some pretty good touch with the ball around the hoop. Not the greatest hops but when your a legit 6'11 you don't need them, plus thats not his game. Curious as to how his defensive skills are. Not expecting a Vashil defensive skill set (Vashil was a defensive stud).

As for the conversations about Nick Robinson. He's been holding out for high major offers and I'll almost positive he's going to Cal. He took a visit there in the past month.

As for Zion Morgan who was originally a Valpo commit but decommitted because was pretty annoyed once we offered to Micah Bradford (rumor-mill). He wanted to play the point and develop there. I actually think he's pretty underrated as a recruit by the recruiting sites. He's pretty athletic, long arms, solid ball handling, has an ok but not great outside shot. I think develop into a pretty good defensive specialist combo guard and if he can develop a consistent perimeter outside shot he'll end up being a pretty good college player. I know the former UIC coach Howard Moore who is now back on the Wisconsin staff as an assistant again is interested in him and there is rumors that they might offer. They've been looking hard at him in spring ball. If he gets an offer he's gone to Wisconsin, but I think they only offer if they lose out on a couple recruits they like more. I could see him being a walk on there though. Or I think he goes to Ball State if he doesn't end up getting an offer from Wisconsin. I don't think he comes to Valpo. He's a pretty smooth athlete.

https://vimeo.com/161416743

[vu72]

Pretty pumped about our new big guy. Just from the clips it looks like has some pretty good touch with the ball around the hoop. Not the greatest hops but when your a legit 6'11 you don't need them, plus thats not his game. Curious as to how his defensive skills are. Not expecting a Vashil defensive skill set (Vashil was a defensive stud).

As for the conversations about Nick Robinson. He's been holding out for high major offers and I'll almost positive he's going to Cal. He took a visit there in the past month.

As for Zion Morgan who was originally a Valpo commit but decommitted because was pretty annoyed once we offered to Micah Bradford (rumor-mill). He wanted to play the point and develop there. I actually think he's pretty underrated as a recruit by the recruiting sites. He's pretty athletic, long arms, solid ball handling, has an ok but not great outside shot. I think develop into a pretty good defensive specialist combo guard and if he can develop a consistent perimeter outside shot he'll end up being a pretty good college player. I know the former UIC coach Howard Moore who is now back on the Wisconsin staff as an assistant again is interested in him and there is rumors that they might offer. They've been looking hard at him in spring ball. If he gets an offer he's gone to Wisconsin, but I think they only offer if they lose out on a couple recruits they like more. I could see him being a walk on there though. Or I think he goes to Ball State if he doesn't end up getting an offer from Wisconsin. I don't think he comes to Valpo. He's a pretty smooth athlete.

https://vimeo.com/161416743

Interesting that the Illinois Coaches Assn voted our guy Micah to the 2nd team as was Nick Robinson. Zach Hollywood made 4th team while Zion Morgan only made Honorable Mention.

[vufan75]

Wonder if offering Zach Hollywood 6-9 forward and Micah's HS teammate is being considered? With his JMU NLI release last week he already has multiple offers (YSU, Evansville, Fairfield) are some so far. We will need forwards ready to play in a year assuming Alec plays next season and Jubril, Shane would also be done?

[VU2014]

Do you have a link on for the coaches ranking?

But I think Hollywood would be a pretty solid signing if the coaches like him. Maybe he could develop in the same way Peters did with his inside post skills with also have and outside game with a jumpshot. From the vids of I've seen him play he didn't have the smooth jumpshot that Peters has (most college player don't), but if were him I'd look at how Gore/Lottich helped developed Peters overall game and I'd be chomping to come here from a player development standpoint and you get to play with your high school buddy/teammate.

If I'm Lottich I would take a visit to the Hanzen home and try make a strong pitch the Branchen Hazen. It's a long shot but he talked to the News Sentinel and he said he's not reaching out schools, he's only considering schools that reach out to him. Also playing time was mentioned as a big factor. Might be a issue his freshman season with Peters/Jubril in their senior year but if he's ready I could see him getting 10-15 min a game by the end the season. His sophomore season you tell him that you will give him the keys to the car.

[valpo64]

Agree...I have heard that he has a good work ethic..we will need a scoring threat after Alec leaves

[vufan75]

No coaches ranking link. Just offers from verbal commits for Zach Hollywood. Add another offer to list from today. American University. So far his offers in about a week are from Ball State, Evansville, Fairfield, YSU, and now American.
Just from others chatting on the board sounds like maybe Hazen would be a higher upside prospect? Plus maybe might provide a benefit if we were to be recruiting his All Star brother? Valpo has had some success under Homer recruiting brothers.

[ValpoDad89]

VU2014, I hear you but if Hanzen won't come here, I think, based on Bradford's relationship, we have a leg up on Ball State and Toledo for Hollywood. I really think the kid can replace some of what we will lose.

[vufan75]

I think like some recruiting savants that Nick Robinson selects Cal or St. Joes. Isn't St
Joes the Philly school in A10? He must really want away from the Midwest based on these schools locations.

I could understand P5 school Cal somewhat. Pac12, etc. Do what many other players don't Mr. Robinson. Choose local area U named Valpo for your future and get some PT earlier in your career and an outstanding education!!
#ProudtobeValpo#GoValpo

[vu72]

Do you have a link on for the coaches ranking?

Here it is:   http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/626941?referrer_id=1320164

[vufan75]

Good find 72! 2nd team Micah Bradford and Nick Robinson. 4th team Zach Hollywood.

[ValpoDad89]

Excellent find 72. Morgan and Robinson play ultimately the same position. They are shooters. We have scholarships to offer but to me put the pressure on one or the other. Both of them will be playing close to home bit far away enough that they can get away from the stuff that happens in thier neighborhoods. Inner city kids, that have some potential, want to get away enough to explore opportunities that can make them better basketball players and get a quality education to get away from that life they grew up with.

[VULB#62]

I believe TODAY is the first day of late NLI signing.  Looking forward to who Matt will introduce as new official Crusader MBB commits.

[covufan]

I believe TODAY is the first day of late NLI signing.  Looking forward to who Matt will introduce as new official Crusader MBB commits.

While I would love it if we received NLI's from Nick Robinson and/or Zion Morgan, I'm guessing that we'll need to wait for the fourth and final NLI.  Hopefully Carter will be able to come back for an extra year, or we get an immediately eligible transfer at the C or PF position, or a transfer at the SG/SF position that will be eligible in the fall of 2017. 

[valpopal]

Robinson has chosen St. Joseph's.

[VULB#62]

A-10 is a better league. But........... Gym is worse than the ARC. Philly is a big, old eastern city and, as an east coaster, I think it has less appeal than NYC, Boston, or DC. Mom and Pop will get lots of FF miles.

[vufan75]

Maybe we will talk about Nick Robinson down the road if Philly and/or St. Joe's doesn't work out. Stranger things have happened. For now I wish him good luck out east.