Recruiting: 2018

[oklahomamick]

Was he a true point guard?  I thought more of a 2. 

[covufan]

Was he a true point guard?  I thought more of a 2. 

Your original post just said guard.  He is still the career assists leader for Valpo (will be tough to pass).  Might also be career assists/game (if one is so inclined to compute). 

[vufan75]

From this article on twitter yesterday, sounds like we are still in the mix for 2018 PG Xavier Castenada with an official visit scheduled for later this month.
This would be a great "get" as like Javon he is from Whitney Young in Chicago. 3* ranking from what I recall.

http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3926

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[wh]

From this article on twitter yesterday, sounds like we are still in the mix for 2018 PG Xavier Castenada with an official visit scheduled for later this month.
This would be a great "get" as like Javon he is from Whitney Young in Chicago. 3* ranking from what I recall.

Things that won Javon over could well be important to Xavier.  He obviously values family, which of course is what the Valpo men's basketball program lives and dies by.  It's 50 miles from WMY to Valpo.  That's as close to being next door as it gets at the college level for family and friends to attend home games and stay involved. We're recruiting for athleticism and team speed, which appear to be components of Xavier's game.  He and Javon know each other like brothers - (hopefully they love each other like brothers).    We're recruiting at a high level and should maintain our status as a top mid major program. I won't be surprised if we end up with 2 great young men from Whitney Young on next year's roster.

[VU2014]

Not surprising once Javon Freeman-Liberty committed to Valpo last week. Both are Shooting Guards. Deavion Washington Washington only had 2 official visits scheduled: Indiana State this weekend and Valparaiso was suppose to be next weekend, and this was before Javon committed. Deavion Washington is also a hometown kid from Terre Haute.

It will be interesting to see the two have some battles in the MVC together. Valparaiso recruited both of them pretty hard but not surprising to see his commitment Indiana State once Javon committed. Both kids are very talented. Deavion game sounds pretty similar to Javon's but Deavion has a very good 3pt shot (shot 45% from 3). When Deavion is on he can be an electric scorer.

http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_high_school_sports/th-south-s-washington-commits-to-sycamores/article_d9e71852-035b-5df7-b289-ab324bc83a00.html
"Most of the state's mid-major programs had made an offer to Washington. The most intriguing competitor for Washington was Valparaiso.

Former ISU assistant Dave Ragland, now on Valpo's staff, was a presence at Washington's games and Ragland had first witnessed Washington during Washington's middle school career when Ragland was still on ISU's staff. They had a long relationship similar to the one Lansing had with Washington. The intrigue only went up when the Crusaders joined the Missouri Valley Conference in June.

However, the pull of playing at home won out and Washington is pleased his recruitment is behind him."

https://twitter.com/MidwestHoopsSL/status/906577111535767553
https://twitter.com/TribStarTodd/status/906525947402358784

Now with Deavion Washington committing elsewhere we has 3 outstanding offers out for the class of 2018:
1-Scholarship left for the class of 2018.

Class of 2018:
PG
-Xavier Castañeda (3*) (Visits Valpo on the last weekend of september. Homecoming Weekend (that should tell you who the priority is right there))
-Shakur Daniel

SG:
-Javon Freeman-Liberty (3*-Committed)
-Israel Barnes (3*)
-Walter Ellis (2*)

Class of 2019:
SG:
-Alex Hemenway

[wh]

Not surprising once Javon Freeman-Liberty committed to Valpo last week. Both are Shooting Guards. Deavion Washington Washington only had 2 official visits scheduled: Indiana State this weekend and Valparaiso was suppose to be next weekend, and this was before Javon committed. Deavion Washington is also a hometown kid from Terre Haute.

It will be interesting to see the two have some battles in the MVC together. Valparaiso recruited both of them pretty hard but not surprising to see his commitment Indiana State once Javon committed. Both kids are very talented. Deavion game sounds pretty similar to Javon's but Deavion has a very streaky 3pt shot. When Deavion is on he can be an electric scorer.

Assuming your assessment is accurate that the 2 are close in ability, I would much prefer Javon over Deavion. Getting a 3-star player out of the Chicago Public League is a huge win for the program in multiple ways. For one, landing Javon gives us a better chance of landing fellow 3-star teammate Xavier. For another, it sends a clear message that Valpo remains a player in one of the top recruiting hotbeds in the nation in the post-Drew era.

[VU2014]

Sounds like Javon is more of a smooth 2/combo guard and excels at slashing and attacking the rim, with the upside to become a very good defender. I'm not really sure which player is better to be honest, because I haven't seen them play enough to have a great opinion. I just know what I've read and heard. I'm really excited Javon chose Valpo. Deavion sounds like he's going to be a very good player for ISU. Both are high ceiling players.

I agree with WH that its nice to see Valpo continuing to recruit Chicago so well in the post-Drew era. It also doesn't hurt that Javon committed to Valpo and we are also heavily recruiting his teammate and friend Xavier Castaneda. It may help.

If Valpo could land both Javon and Xavier it would be an absolute Coup. Xavier has went on the record that he wants to sign in November the early signing period so we should know probably pretty soon after his Visit to Valpo where he will chose to attend school and play his college ball. I think Valpo would be a great spot for him.

vufan75 found that great article about him breaking down his recruitment. http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3926

Valparaiso has the final scheduled official visit during the final weekend in September.  "Their coaches have been recruiting me for a while now," he said. "They've kept it real from the beginning. They had a pro enter the draft last year."

"Having my parents attend the official visits is the most important part to me."

Two programs that could snag an official? Georgetown and Georgia Tech, who both have jumped in with late interest.  "They're in great conference and will compete at a high level," he said. "There's also an opportunity to play there the first year."

Castaneda plans to sign in November.  "I'm looking at the way I'd fit in with the team and the coaching staff," he said. "Just a playing style that suits me. Academics are important to me as well."

Valpo Offers:
-Good Basketball Program in one of the best Mid-Major Conferences
-A very close knit team
-Ability to play close to home and have Family & Friends watch all your home games and many of you're away conference games are close to home.
-Valpo has always tried to give its freshman playing time regardless if they are ready or playing well. Coaching staff always tries to build confidence and give them experience. If Xavier is as good as everyone thinks he can be, he will undoubtably get playing time his freshman year and may even get more playing time then Micah depending if Micah can step up his game by the time Xavier was a freshman. It sounds like Bakari could also play off the ball and could pretty good scorer in a combo guard role. So Xavier and Bakari could play with each other.
-Valpo's offenses have always relied heavily on the PG. Ex: Keith Carter was the glue of the offense his last 2 years at Valpo and was key to offense. Xavier could play that floor-general role at Valpo.
-Strong Academics is also something Valparaiso offers. Valpo's team was one of the only schools in the nation to earn a perfect 1000 APR score from the NCAA last year.
-Ability to play with and attend school with one of his friends Javon. They already have built chemistry on the court so you could definitely imagine a them being relied on their freshman year together on the court at the same time.

[vufan75]

From twitter again, a nice drive to the hoop and dunk by Javon!
https://twitter.com/uncvrdprospects/status/906631837002366979


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[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/uncvrdprospects/status/906620350829666310
https://twitter.com/barrybradford3/status/906632975248392194
https://twitter.com/REALPREPREPORTS/status/906643070732685312

[VU2014]

At a hoops showcase yesterday Freeman-Liberty took home the Co-MVP award.

https://twitter.com/REALPREPREPORTS/status/906906043581693957

Derek Ellison is a very well respected prep scout in the Chicagoland & greater Illinois area. He mentions Javon, "gave a preview of his new improved range". That is something that is actually pretty key and nice to hear.

When I looked up his AAU stats this summer his 3pt% was 22.7% on 5 made of 22 attempts in 16 games played at the NIKE EYBL. During the Peach Jam later in the summer he shot much better from 3 at a clip of 35.3% on 6 made of 17 attempts in 5 games. In total he finish last season with a 3pt% of 28.2%. He's going to need to keep on improving on his 3pt shot. If he can space the floor and force defenders to press a little more in man to man it will allow him to find more driving lanes and penetrate and create more open shots for his teammates.

Another interesting stat is his Free Throw %. In AAU this summer he had a Free Throw % of 64.7% on 54 made on 84 attempts in 21 games. He averaged 4 attempts per games in AAU this summer. In college teams will know just hack at him when he drives to the hoop if he can't get that FT% up.

His Field Goal % is really impressive for a Shooting Guard though. He finished the summer with a 57.1% FG%! His bread and butter is when he is attacking the rim and collapsing the defense.

He finished the AAU season averaging 12.1 PPG and averaged 18.1 minutes per game.

Two stat lines I'll be following in his senior year for Whitney Young season will be his 3pt% and his FT%. It sounds like his 3pt shot is improving which is nice to hear.

http://www.d1circuit.com/roster_players/17820264

[VULB#62]

Deavion Washington opts for Indiana State.  Offer from Valpo but never took the visit.  Some of the explanation for that is in the comments.

[tweet]906525719567720448[/tweet]

[VU2014]

Well this is a bummer... Xavier Castaneda was suppose to visit on homecoming weekend. The risk of being the last official visit. Xavier is going to be a really good college player.

I'm wondering if we don't just hold onto the last scholarship and we pick up a transfer. I haven't heard of any other official visits scheduled for this Fall yet. The two I heard about was for Javon and Xavier. I'm curious if we have anything else in the works.

Current Offers for 2018:
PG
-Shakur Daniel (2*)

SG:
-Javon Freeman-Liberty (3*-Committed)
-Israel Barnes (3*)
-Walter Ellis (2*)

Class of 2019:
SG:
-Alex Hemenway

https://twitter.com/castaneda_x/status/907751086697717760

[wh]

Well this is a bummer... Xavier Castaneda was suppose to visit on homecoming weekend. The risk of being the last official visit. Xavier is going to be a really good college player.

I'm wondering if we don't just hold onto the last scholarship and we pick up a transfer. I haven't heard of any other official visits scheduled for this Fall yet. The two I heard about was for Javon and Xavier. I'm curious if we have anything else in the works.

Current Offers for 2018:
PG
-Shakur Daniel (2*)

SG:
-Javon Freeman-Liberty (3*-Committed)
-Israel Barnes (3*)
-Walter Ellis (2*)

Class of 2019:
SG:
-Alex Hemenway

https://twitter.com/castaneda_x/status/907751086697717760

To quote the great Tom Petty, "Love is a long, long road."

S. Florida home games - 1200 miles from Chicago to Tampa.

Closest away game - 300 miles from Chicago to Cincinnati.

[vu72]

Give him a year.  He will flat out miss the snow.   

[VU2014]

Valpo coaches were at Simeon yesterday.

I'm sure they were checking out Xavier Pinson their class of 2018 PG (transferred from St. Pats). Simeon is a Chicago Public School basketball powerhouse. There is some talented players on that team.

https://twitter.com/leonardthomas62/status/907770699258978305

[VU2014]

A possible diamond in the rough? I wonder if he is scheduled to take a visit. It sounds like he dealt with a injury which caused him to miss part of the summer AAU season and wasn't playing 100% so some schools may have overlooked him.

http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2017/sep/07/southwest-christian-loaded-talent/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
https://twitter.com/ArRecruitingGuy/status/905856969843412992

The Recruiting Guy:
Southwest Christian loaded with basketball talent
By: Richard Davenport
Date: September 7, 2017

............

Returning senior starting point guard Shakur Daniel (6-5, 181 pounds) was named an NACA All-American. He's drawing interest from Arkansas, LSU, Iowa State and others.

"He's lightning fast with the basketball, can shoot it," Baker said. "He makes great decisions."

It was expected scholarship offers would come his way during spring and summer basketball, but an injury most likely ended his chances.
"He pulled a hamstring two days before the EYBL season started, and I tried to get him not to play, but he felt like he couldn't pass it up," Baker said. "He was out there on one leg all spring and summer, and the more he played, the worse he got. He's thinking, 'Well, you know, at least they'll know I'm trying to fight through it,' and I was trying to explain to him they don't even know you're hurt."
Daniel is 100 percent healed and is expecting a big year.

"There's no doubt he's an SEC or Big 12 talent," Baker said. "If he's not the best player in Arkansas, he's one of them."

...........

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/907689583919366144
https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/907739964623998976
https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/907755957287092225
https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/895355397032357889

[valpopal]

Although he is listed as a 2018 shooting guard, 3-star Zion Young, originally from nearby Merrillville, has transferred to Simeon this year as well and is worth consideration.

Valpo coaches were at Simeon yesterday.

I'm sure they were checking out Xavier Pinson their class of 2018 PG (transferred from St. Pats). Simeon is a Chicago Public School basketball powerhouse. There is some talented players on that team.

[wh]

Give him a year.  He will flat out miss the snow.   

We'll never know but facilities may have been a factor in this instance. USF's Sun Dome compared to the ARC is like an Executive Suite at the Ritz compared to a broom closet.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USF_Sun_Dome#Renovations

[vu72]

Give him a year.  He will flat out miss the snow.   

We'll never know but facilities may have been a factor in this instance. USF's Sun Dome compared to the ARC is like an Executive Suite at the Ritz compared to a broom closet.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USF_Sun_Dome#Renovations

It may have been if hearing your sneakers squeak during games was a deciding factor.  USF's Dome seats something north of 10,000 but their average attendance in 2016 was 3,098!!! 
Valpo's over the same period was 3,572.  Their school has 50,000 students.

So this is a situation where the draw of Florida most likely was the deciding factor together with assured playing time for a team that finished 1-16 in conference and 8-23 overall.  Seriously, for a home game against Memphis they drew 2,563.  For a home game against UConn they drew 3,238.  They are the YSU of the AAC.  He will get to play against Tulane twice a year! 

[VU2014]

Ironically he chose the school LaVonte Dority transferred to Valpo from.

I guess he didn't listen to Paul's podcast before making his decision 
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/897502497392152576

[FWalum]

Ironically he chose the school LaVonte Dority transferred to Valpo from.

I guess he didn't listen to Paul's podcast before making his decision 

I was thinking the same thing.  Listening to that podcast may have made a difference... Maybe it still can in a year or two.

[VU2014]

It's hard to say why kids choose a certain schools over others. Facilities, weather, relationship with the coaches, etc.

It may have come down to early playing time. Maybe he thought USF could provide that and he looked at Valpo's roster and saw we have 2 sophomores in Bakari & Micah and thought the competition would be stiff for minutes his freshman year.

http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3926

In the article when I read: "They've (coaches) kept it real from the beginning." It made me think the coaching staff was being honest about playing time early on & his role his freshman year, which may not have been what he was looking for. Maybe I'm reading into that comment too much, either way I appreciate hearing our coaches are being honest with recruits about their potential roles.

[EddieCabot]

It's hard to say why kids choose a certain schools over others. Facilities, weather, relationship with the coaches, etc.

It may have come down to early playing time. Maybe he thought USF could provide that and he looked at Valpo's roster and saw we have 2 sophomores in Bakari & Micah and thought the competition would be stiff for minutes his freshman year.

http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3926

In the article when I read: "They've (coaches) kept it real from the beginning." It made me think the coaching staff was being honest about playing time early on & his role his freshman year, which may not have been what he was looking for. Maybe I'm reading into that comment too much, either way I appreciate hearing our coaches are being honest with recruits about their potential roles.

Seems like immediate playing time is really important to kids these days.  Makes recruiting a challenge for a team like Valpo that has so much young talent on their current roster.  You have to find kids who are either willing to wait their turn for playing time or who are confident enough to believe they can compete for playing time right away.

[VU2014]

Valpo is showing interest in Guard Zeke Moore.
It looks like he played his freshman year at SLU but then transferred to Tennessee Tech last school year? I'm not sure of his eligibility status. I believe he'd be a redshirt.

https://twitter.com/AddayaMoore/status/910152432575029251
https://twitter.com/AddayaMoore/status/910150469921763329

Zeke Moore
Status: transferring
Year: 2016 (SO)
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 175
Hometown: Florissant, MO
High School: Riverview Gardens High School
Ranking:
Rivals: NR
Scout: NR
247: NR
espn: NR

He had offers out of HS from: SLU, Illinois State, UMKC, Indiana State, Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State, Western Illinois, Northern Illinois, Drake
https://verbalcommits.com/players/zeke-moore

https://archauthority.com/2017/03/21/saint-louis-billikens-swingman-zeke-moore-transferring/

Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/zeke-moore-1.html

-He is a good 3pt shooter. He shot 39.1% on 2.4 attempts per game in freshman season at SLU.
-Averaged 20.8 minutes per game.

The last transfer we had from SLU worked out pretty well with Keith Carter. Ironically the coach that recruited Zeke was Jim Crews who was fired & Zeke stuck with the new coaching staff his freshman year. Carter was recruited by Rick Majerus but he sadly passed away & Crews took over the program & Keith stuck it out with SLU. If you remember Crews was the coach that refused to allow Keith Carter red-shirt his freshman year even though he was injured & barely played. Crews and the SLU athletics department were pretty classless & cost Keith his extra year of eligibility. Just a bit of irony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHUAKh_JNzM

[vu72]

Love this kid!  We haven't had a point guard with this size since Ali Berdiel.  Great wing span.  I'm guessing he discovered he is better than he thought originally and our membership in The Valley made us an attractive landing spot as he is from Missouri.