Recruiting: 2018

[VULB#62]

My guess for the two remaining scholarships is one graduate transfer and one P5 transfer that has to sit out a year, or a JC transfer with 3 years remaining (like Golder).  Both will be the best basketball players we can get, regardless of position.  If we don't get the grad transfer, we have no senior for next season.

Don't those kind of players move UP from mid-major to P-5 and not the other way around?  Where would we find a lights out shooting grad xfer for next year? Wouldn't that type of player be attractive to other P-5 teams?  Just wondering.

[FieldGoodie05]

My guess for the two remaining scholarships is one graduate transfer and one P5 transfer that has to sit out a year, or a JC transfer with 3 years remaining (like Golder).  Both will be the best basketball players we can get, regardless of position.  If we don't get the grad transfer, we have no senior for next season.

Good point on lack of seniors.  Anyone else hoping we find ways to spread out our graduation dilemma?  This is if no transfers occur:

2019/20 Class
(6) available scholarships

2020/21
(3) available scholarships

If we allow this to happen, we are going to have big rebuilding years consecutively. (Much like right now)

We will likely lose a player to transfer, but still (9) players graduate in 2-year period.  Having a (0) recruit class is sort of a problem.

If we take on a Juco player with 2 or 3 years left it further compounds the experience puzzle. 

Not saying this is the only consideration, available talent trumps all....but to borrow someone's handle..."Just Sayin"!

[covufan]

My guess for the two remaining scholarships is one graduate transfer and one P5 transfer that has to sit out a year, or a JC transfer with 3 years remaining (like Golder).  Both will be the best basketball players we can get, regardless of position.  If we don't get the grad transfer, we have no senior for next season.

Good point on lack of seniors.  Anyone else hoping we find ways to spread out our graduation dilemma?  This is if no transfers occur:

2019/20 Class
(6) available scholarships

2020/21
(3) available scholarships

If we allow this to happen, we are going to have big rebuilding years consecutively. (Much like right now)

We will likely lose a player to transfer, but still (9) players graduate in 2-year period.  Having a (0) recruit class is sort of a problem.

If we take on a Juco player with 2 or 3 years left it further compounds the experience puzzle. 

Not saying this is the only consideration, available talent trumps all....but to borrow someone's handle..."Just Sayin"!

The way I'm figuring it, we will have seven juniors next season - Eveyln, Bradford, Golder, Kiser, Fazekas, Smits and Sorolla - all graduating in 2020.  Foresight will be needed to replace seven scholarships in one year.

[VU2014]

Tough to say what will happen with that 2020 graduating class because you never know if someone will transfer or need Red-Shirt. etc but 7 player is an abnormally large recruiting class. Some how it feels like Valpo has these cycles of graduating big class like last season's seniors and then the next year we go into a "rebuild" mode. Its like a 3-4 year cycle. Same thing happened with losing Broekhoff, Van Wijk, Boggs, Bogan, & Kenney in 2012-13. After graduating those huge senior class the coaches absolutely need to hit on the incoming freshman class which they did with Peters, Jubril, Lexus, & Clay Yeo. Clay Yeo was a pretty good player but his college career was hampered by 2 serious knee injuries after he transferred to Bethel. This 2017-18 freshman class is TDB how good they can be. They certainly more raw then 2013-14 class.

I just don't see us finding the next generational (Peters/Broekhoff/Drew, etc) Valpo talent with these 2 available scholarships unless a high level transfer falls into our lap and I'm pretty pessimistic we'll be signing another freshman this offseason for the 2018 class.

[M]

At the mid major level I don't think that having a large recruiting class every 4th year is a bad thing (of course you have to hit on the majority of those recruits).  Having an upperclassmen dominant team 2/4 years seems like a good thing in the mid major ranks.

[VU2014]

At the mid major level I don't think that having a large recruiting class every 4th year is a bad thing (of course you have to hit on the majority of those recruits).  Having an upperclassmen dominant team 2/4 years seems like a good thing in the mid major ranks.

Agreed, M. The veteran Mid-Major squads are the ones that typically make runs in the Tourney and have strong seasons. We just really need to nail those classes and land future great players those offseasons after we graduate big classes.

Drake is a perfect example of being a successful team with veterans. 5th most experience roster in the country.

[VU2014]

The Canadian recruit visiting last night was point guard named Daniel Sackey aka "The Winnipeg Jet" and it was a Official Visit so clearly we're very interested.

https://twitter.com/Canada_Elite/status/954887491907043328

He's built like a Kay Felder. Strong upper-body for a HS kid. It's interesting to see Valpo pursuing another point guard. Maybe that signals they aren't happy with Micah as the backup? It's also could be that we're trying to space the PGs. By the time Bakari & Micah graduate Daniel would be a Junior the next season. It sounds like he is destroying competition at the level he's at right now.

https://twitter.com/OntarioSBA/status/950804637648498689
https://twitter.com/OntarioSBA/status/950463640301268993
https://twitter.com/TheHoopGroup/status/887886604588654592
https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/950853356549009408
https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/950852978356957184
https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/954889740700004353

A interesting article about his former prep-academy: https://deadspin.com/how-a-bootleg-prep-school-profited-by-ripping-off-teens-1820603652

Status: Undecided
Year: 2018 (HS SR)
Position: PG
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Hometown: Winnipeg, Canada
High School: Thornlea Secondary School
Club: Canada Elite
Rank:
Scout: NA
Rivals: NA
ESPN: NA
247: NA

OFFERS: Western Kentucky, Evansville, Niagara, Stony Brook, Winthrop, Kent State, New Orleans, Stetson
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/daniel-sackey

I'm struggling to find stats for him. But it looks like he competed in the FIBA U17 tournament and the adidas Nations tourney. He doesn't appears to not be the strongest 3 point shooter but is gift at attacking the paint and can find the open guys. Seems like a strong player.
https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Daniel-Sackey/Summary/108190
http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/daniel-sackey/4_Ut59zOEeaT-Oz0u-e-FA/gendersport/basketball-stats.htm
http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198471909&client=1-10309-157927-315479-21120085

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMCRQJjsixo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnPcN2nRA4A

[vu72]

Here is the answer!

Recruit a player who already is on scholarship at Valpo, 6'0" and shooting 52% from the 3 and is better looking than anybody currently on the team!

http://www.valpoathletics.com/wbasketball/roster/2017-18/9155/grace-hales/

Meet Grace Hales!!

[wh]

"Fastest Canadian point guard in the past 10 years"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PzWL1dQp2g

[VU2014]

"Fastest Canadian point guard in the past 10 years"

Not buying he's the quickest but that 1st step reminds of Buggs. It looks like he has some elevation when he gets to the paint which is important for a 5-10 guard. Looks like he could have the physical tools to be a pretty good player.

[wh]

"Fastest Canadian point guard in the past 10 years"

Not buying he's the quickest but that 1st step reminds of Buggs. It looks like he has some elevation when he gets to the paint which is important for a 5-10 guard. Looks like he could have the physical tools to be a pretty good player.

http://northpolehoops.com/2016/08/27/video-daniel-sackey-fastest-canadian-pg-in-last-decade-young-ty-lawson/

Did you have someone else in mind?

[VU2014]

I'm not saying he isn't fast but that seems like just a catchy youtube title to get clicks. He looks like a tremendous athlete & is no doubt very very fast. Canada has produced some stud athletes the last few years. Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, Trey Lyles, Cory Joseph, and Tyler Ennis. Even former Valpo recruit Marcus Ottey is another stud athlete. We definitely could use Sackey and he'd get an opportunity at significant playing time next season with losing Tevonn and Max Joseph. I'm assuming the Staff has already offered if he's taking an official visit but it hasn't publicly announced yet.

He's taking 5 official visit. https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/954889424726298624

Also noticed that he gave Paul Oren and Michael Osipoff a follow on twitter.

[valpo64]

I have heard that this kid could definitely be heading our way.

[vu72]

He would be a Fantastic addition and will be very much needed as we graduate two guards and currently only have one coming in.  We are short handed at guard as it is.  Love his court vision and would compliment Javon very nicely.  PLEASE!!!!

[hailcrusaders]

Daniel "the Winnipeg Jet" Sackey has officially committed to Valpo via his Twitter.

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/dsackey_4/status/957735592820920321
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/957737869333934081
https://twitter.com/HoopReview/status/957747576274501638
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/957756409424351232

[VU2014]

Now after Daniel Sackey's commitment we have 1 more scholarship available for next season (barring any transfers...). What do you think would be the best use of that scholarship? High level Redshirt transfer? Grad-transfer? Another Freshman? Role it into next season in hopes of landing a midseason transfer?

Before Joe Burton left school he said whoever gets the final scholarship will need to be a "home run". Sackey may have been the home run he was referring to. He looks like he has a bright future. I wonder what we'll do with that last scholarship.

Roster breakdown for 2018-19:

PG: Evelyn, Sackey, Bradford, Helm (WO but he's going to be serving his Mormon Mission next season)
SG: Freeman-Liberty, Golder (can both the 2-3)
SF: Fazekas, Kiser
PF: McMillan, Hazen
C: Smits, Sorolla, Linssen (I'm hoping Marty can eventually play with 1 of the 7 footers)

Current Outstanding Offers by Position:
2019:
SG: Brandon Newman, Alex Hemenway, Quincy Guerrier

[wh]

Great find! Just who we need to complement Javon in the backcourt. Here's to hoping Daniel will be our answer at the point for the next 4 years. Go Crusaders!

[VUGrad1314]

Excellent! A much needed shot of good news in what has been a tough season. If Fazekas and the freshmen can hit the ground running and play well from the jump we've got a great shot at turning the corner very soon! Go Valpo!

[vufan75]

https://twitter.com/dsackey_4/status/957735592820920321
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/957737869333934081
https://twitter.com/HoopReview/status/957747576274501638
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/957756409424351232

Great news for the Valpo program! Good to see the coaching staff getting a verbal from a target recruit. Kudos to them!!! #GoValpo

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

[nkvu]

For the remaining scholarship I'm thinking a grad transfer from a P5 program who is looking for playing time and can bring some leadership. Thinking a stretch 4 if Fazekus is a 3 (I thought he was a 4) or any 3 point shooter type. This would open a scholarship for 2019/20 which I believe we wouldn't otherwise have unless someone transfers out.

Of course if the second coming of Rowdy/Peters should appear as a freshman recruit, I wouldn't exactly complain.

[FieldGoodie05]

Now after Daniel Sackey's commitment we have 1 more scholarship available for next season (barring any transfers...). What do you think would be the best use of that scholarship? High level Redshirt transfer? Grad-transfer? Another Freshman? Role it into next season in hopes of landing a midseason transfer?

Before Joe Burton left school he said whoever gets the final scholarship will need to be a "home run". Sackey may have been the home run he was referring to. He looks like he has a bright future. I wonder what we'll do with that last scholarship.

Roster breakdown for 2018-19:

PG: Evelyn, Sackey, Bradford, Helm (WO but he's going to be serving his Mormon Mission next season)
SG: Freeman-Liberty, Golder (can both the 2-3)
SF: Fazekas, Kiser
PF: McMillan, Hazen
C: Smits, Sorolla, Linssen (I'm hoping Marty can eventually play with 1 of the 7 footers)

Current Outstanding Offers by Position:
2019:
SG: Brandon Newman, Alex Hemenway, Quincy Guerrier

We need a 6'5" or 6'6" utility player than can play 2-3-4 slots.  Ideally no more grad transfers or P5 cast offs.  At some point we need players to develop in our system for at least 3-years for continuity, right?

Continuity is a primary downfall of this years team.  And it's exacerbated by Juco (Golder), P5 transfer (Bakari), P5 sitting out (Fazekas), P5 leaving our program (Burton) and now Helm transferring into our program.

That's (5) bodies with limited continuity.  I know this years team was a perfect storm of NEW (5 aforementioned + 3 freshmen + MVC year 1).  Yowza, it's a wonder that we ever expected Top 5 finish in this league with all that going on.  AND I EVEN FORGOT 2nd year HC Lottich.

In a program that's had a Drew at the helm since the 1980's man this year had the recipe for turbulence.

That being said, show progression to finish out this year.  And get a SF/SG that's long, 6'5" to 6'7" on next years roster in an ideal world.

[EddieCabot]

Great find! Just who we need to complement Javon in the backcourt. Here's to hoping Daniel will be our answer at the point for the next 4 years. Go Crusaders!

I agree.  On a side note, it's amazing how much talent is coming out of Canada these days ... 20 years ago, it was rare to see Canadians playing at DI schools.

[bbtds]

Excellent! A much needed shot of good news in what has been a tough season. If Fazekas and the freshmen can hit the ground running and play well from the jump we've got a great shot at turning the corner very soon! Go Valpo!

That hope sounds very familiar.

[bbtds]

Great find! Just who we need to complement Javon in the backcourt. Here's to hoping Daniel will be our answer at the point for the next 4 years. Go Crusaders!

I agree.  On a side note, it's amazing how much talent is coming out of Canada these days ... 20 years ago, it was rare to see Canadians playing at DI schools.

How many Toronto Raptors are Canadians?