Recruiting: 2022

[valpotx]

Interesting.  I wonder if our recent recruits scared him away.  I can't see why Elon would outright win that one.

[vu72]

Interesting.  I wonder if our recent recruits scared him away.  I can't see why Elon would outright win that one.

Of course it did.  He is a 6'6'-6'7" small forward,  We have a few studs a head of him. Little playing time for a couple of years.

[Chairback]

How many spots will we have next year to fill?  Not factoring transfers. 

[wh]

Interesting.  I wonder if our recent recruits scared him away.  I can't see why Elon would outright win that one.

Of course it did.  He is a 6'6'-6'7" small forward,  We have a few studs a head of him. Little playing time for a couple of years.

I hear what you're saying, and I don't disagree at all. At the same time I have to assume that the coaching staff thought he had a legitimate chance to play or they wouldn't have recruited him. I've always had a hard time squaring that disconnect.

[VUBBFan]

How many spots will we have next year to fill?  Not factoring transfers. 

We will have 5 seniors on the roster this year. Anderson, Taylor, Gordon, King and Kithier. Kithier has 2 years of eligibility left and King has 1 1/2 or 2 years left. The remaining 3 players are taking a 5th year covid additional year. So they will not be returning, opening up their scholarship spots. However, Gordon's scholarship is considered an additional extra covid scholarship for the team ( #14 ) by not transferring and does not open up space for next year.


So at a minimum we will have 2 spots to fill next year

[vu72]

At the same time I have to assume that the coaching staff thought he had a legitimate chance to play or they wouldn't have recruited him. I've always had a hard time squaring that disconnect.

I agree but coaches also are always trying to improve their team so if we recruit a kid to play point guard and then a Trevor Anderson drops in your lap you take him.  This is a little different as I would assume the coaches were thinking "nice player, could see some minutes if we have injuries and otherwise in a couple of years..." and the player is thinking, "I want to play my freshman year and this team is really deep. I'm starting to feel splinters already!"

How many spots will we have next year to fill?  Not factoring transfers. 

I think it's three. Anderson, Gordon and Taylor.  I'm pretty sure Kithier has two years available as does Kobe King. Hedstrom should have three years.

[IndyEIT777]

How many spots will we have next year to fill?  Not factoring transfers.

There will be 2 open slots after the 21-22 season as of right now. Eron's 5th year doesn't count against the 13 scholarship limit since he didn't transfer in this off-season. Because of that though, we don't get to open up a spot to replace him once this season ends.

[VU2014]

His stock is rising. Not sure where we are in the recruiting picture. Once Big East schools get involved I typically have the feeling we're leaving the picture.

https://twitter.com/cessegian/status/1415458209834414082?s=21

[bbtds]

His stock is rising. Not sure where we are in the recruiting picture. Once Big East schools get involved I typically have the feeling we're leaving the picture.

He's from Indiana not Wisconsin. No chance.

This is where the extra deal with the local advertiser could kick in and bring in the recruit by using a player's likeness for profit.

[VU2014]

His stock is rising. Not sure where we are in the recruiting picture. Once Big East schools get involved I typically have the feeling we're leaving the picture.

He's from Indiana not Wisconsin. No chance.

This is where the extra deal with the local advertiser could kick in and bring in the recruit by using a player's likeness for profit.

I doubt Valpo players will get big NIL deal if any. I really think we will be at a substantial disadvantage in recruiting if NIL really takes off at the mid-major level. Just my opinion. I think NIL is significant disadvantage for Small Private School like Valparaiso in Men's College Basketball. Particularly if they they get rid of the red shirt transfer rule sit one year rule permanently.

[VU2014]

Essegian's recruitment is now out of reach for Valpo.

https://twitter.com/cessegian/status/1417290606582304773?s=21

[FWalum]

Essegian's recruitment is now out of reach for Valpo.

https://twitter.com/cessegian/status/1417290606582304773?s=21

I would have to say that this is a little bit of a surprise to me, didn't see that one coming, but if he can get a scholarship to Wake Forest then he probably ought to take it. My daughter has certainly benefited from going there.

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/julianmargrave/status/1417873137937657859?s=21

[VU2014]

Valpo just offered Homer Drew's grandson & Bryce/Scott's nephew. He's Casey & Dana Shaw's son.

His father Casey is an assistant at GCU working with Bryce. I'd be very surprised if GCU didn't offer, but you never know.

His family built the Valpo Program into a National name.

https://twitter.com/calebshaw301/status/1419151786187755524?s=21

[wh]

Valley Christian's Shaw brothers continue basketball legacy
Drew Schott, Tribune Staff Writer Jul 22, 2021

https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/valley-christians-shaw-brothers-continue-basketball-legacy/article_a82f49b2-e8a1-11eb-9ee7-53fa7efbb533.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share

[RS]

Maximus Nelson has just committed to Valpo.   6'8 Power forward from Appleton Wisconsin.  Great to see that Wisconsin connection working

[vu72]

Maximus Nelson has just committed to Valpo.   6'8 Power forward from Appleton Wisconsin.  Great to see that Wisconsin connection working

"My goal is to play D1 basketball at a university with the culture of strong academics and family values."

                                                                                                                 Max Nelson

[valpotx]

Yes, we all get to say, 'MAXIMUSSSSSSSSS!'

[wh]

Wisconsin Sports Net has Max ranked as the 4th best player in the class of 2022.

Source: WSN Top 50 Seniors - 7/21/21.

TOP 50 SENIORS (2022)
#   FIRST NAME   LAST NAME   HIGH SCHOOL   HEIGHT   POSITION   COLLEGE
1   Seth   Trimble   Menomonee Falls   6'2"   G   North Carolina
2   Leon   Bond   Wauwatosa East   6'5"   F   Virginia
3   Jeff   Brazziel   Martin Luther   6'5"   G/F   
4   Max   Nelson   Appleton East   6'8"   F   Valparaiso
5   Jack   Rose   Westosha Central

I didn't attach the link because it's a pay site. I took one for the team and signed up.

[vu72]

Wisconsin Sports Net has Max ranked as the 4th best player in the class of 2022.

Source: WSN Top 50 Seniors - 7/21/21.

TOP 50 SENIORS (2022)
#   FIRST NAME   LAST NAME   HIGH SCHOOL   HEIGHT   POSITION   COLLEGE
1   Seth   Trimble   Menomonee Falls   6'2"   G   North Carolina
2   Leon   Bond   Wauwatosa East   6'5"   F   Virginia
3   Jeff   Brazziel   Martin Luther   6'5"   G/F   
4   Max   Nelson   Appleton East   6'8"   F   Valparaiso
5   Jack   Rose   Westosha Central

I didn't attach the link because it's a pay site. I took one for the team and signed up.

That would make him the best big man in the state as those above are all smaller 1/2/3 type guys.

[VU2014]

Wisconsin Sports Net has Max ranked as the 4th best player in the class of 2022.

Source: WSN Top 50 Seniors - 7/21/21.

TOP 50 SENIORS (2022)
#   FIRST NAME   LAST NAME   HIGH SCHOOL   HEIGHT   POSITION   COLLEGE
1   Seth   Trimble   Menomonee Falls   6'2"   G   North Carolina
2   Leon   Bond   Wauwatosa East   6'5"   F   Virginia
3   Jeff   Brazziel   Martin Luther   6'5"   G/F   
4   Max   Nelson   Appleton East   6'8"   F   Valparaiso
5   Jack   Rose   Westosha Central

I didn't attach the link because it's a pay site. I took one for the team and signed up.

That would make him the best big man in the state as those above are all smaller 1/2/3 type guys.

The list was put together by Mark Nelson who is as plugged in as it gets into Wisconsin High School basketball as anyone, so I respect his opinion and evaluation. He has become very familiar with Valparaiso University recruiting Wisconsin and the region the last few years. The Coaches have made a massive push to recruit Wisconsin kids. I 'm glad that the JO stuff hasn't negatively effected recruiting as far as I can tell. Paul Oren mentioned it on his last podcast and I whole heartily agree that if JO had a normal Valpo Freshman college experience (no covid, no extracurricular health restrictions, no quarantines), he would have fallen in love with VU. Sad that bunch of kids lost out on that college experience last year.

But back to Maximus.





Watched what tape I could find on Max and he looks like a shot maker (but candidly everyone is in their highlight tapes), but he does have a pretty nice jumper and good size/length. From everything I saw he's an "outside-in" SF/PF. I didn't see him playing much down low or many post moves (he certainly may have them but I saw more jump shooting in the tape). But he does a have a nice step back turn around jumper. In a few clicks, I saw he could attack the basket and make a shot with some contact being made. He also has some nice bounce around the rim. I think the athleticism will play just fine in the Valley. He told Paul, he wants to improve on his quickness on defense and be more consistent with his shot off the dribble. I think both will be big keys for him. He's going to need to work on his foot work to avoid being in some compromising defensive positions against competition that is more fleet of foot (certainly something he can improve on as his development progresses). I think he seems like a really nice commitment for the program. His skillset seems like it will play well with a lot of other guys on the roster and won't need to be ball dominant to have an impact on the game. 3.9 GPA from what I saw online (smart and works hard in the classroom: Always a PLUS!).

I read he was getting interest or in talks with P6 schools. He took an unofficial visit to Butler back in June. Also Wisconsin has been well aware of Max dating back to 2019 but they never offered (https://wisconsin.rivals.com/news/2022-in-state-forward-max-nelson-working-for-an-offer-from-wisconsin ).

Rivals Profile from August 2020: https://wisconsin.rivals.com/news/wisconsin-badgers-targets-play-well-at-prep-hoops-rumble-up-north

Max Nelson -- SF -- Wisconsin Playground Club 16U
Playing on a loaded PGC 16U squad, Maximus Nelson did a great job carving out a role for himself. The small forward is an above average catch-and-shoot shooter who also was impressive on the defensive end this past weekend. If Nelson can progress more inside the three-point line, I think he could catch the eyes of Power 5 programs.

Recruiting Snapshot: Nelson's only offer at the moment is from UW-Milwaukee. But, Loyola-Chicago, Marquette, South Dakota State, Northern-Michigan, Wisconsin, Air-Force, University of Miami-Ohio and Appalachian State are also showing interest.

Wisconsin Prep Hoops Class of 2022 Rankings: https://www.prephoops.com/wisconsin/rankings/2022-rankings/
1. Seth Trimble (Commit: North Carolina)
2. Jeffrey Brazziel
3. Leon Bond (Commit: Virginia)
4. Steven Clay
5. Jack Rose
6. Jackson Paveletzlke (a low-mid major is going to get a steal with this guys, he's a nice combo guard who is quick)
7. Maximus Nelson (Commit:m Valparaiso)

Hudl Profile: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10910422/Maximus-Nelson
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/maximus-nelson/4IfEvaIwEeiAxKkkK9HIDg/default.htm

[VUBBFan]

Looks like we are out of the running.

https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1424128587460857859

[IndyEIT777]

Looks like we are out of the running. https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1424128587460857859

I know each recruiting situation is different, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth we didn't make the top 7 and PFW did.

[vu72]

Looks like we are out of the running. https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1424128587460857859

I know each recruiting situation is different, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth we didn't make the top 7 and PFW did.

I can think of five good reasons why we aren't on the list:  Cam, Sheldon, Keyondre, Kobe and Connor.  All playing the same spot with at least one year and up to three years of eligibility.  Splinters. If you are going to ride the pines, why not do it at a Power 5?  No way he ends up at PFW.

[valpopal]

Looks like we are out of the running. [tweet]1424128587460857859[/tweet]

I know each recruiting situation is different, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth we didn't make the top 7 and PFW did.

I have two reactions: first, I am pleased to be out of the running because I don't like when recruits string along programs with this type of a list; second, Valpo will not be deemed successful until it replaces Loyola as the preferred choice in the MVC by a highly ranked recruit, especially when that player is an Indiana native.