A few recruting thoughts I have going into the second session of the EYBL and AAU in general for our prospects.
1) Lonnie Walker: I think it is pretty obvious Walker is our #1 choice, the guy Jay wants the most. The guy who can start your 2017 class out right. However, I think it is going to be harder to get him than I think most thought a few months ago. To me, I think his stock has climbed and more coahes are interested in him. His list definitely points to a kid who doesn't mind seeing what his options are across the country, but also has the home town school on his list of schools as well. Jay is going to be in a fight for Lonnie, in my opinion. I see a tremendous athelte, who plays able the rim, a good shooter, and a playmaker. I see a player who can defend three positions and when he wants can be a very active and disruptive on ball defender. I see a player who will continue to develop, but has holes on both ends of the floor. No player is perfect, but his ceiling is very high.
2) Cosby Roundtree: I see Roundtree as a player that continues to develop facets of his games that makes him a high major recruit. A legit six foot eight, skinny frame, but active body that is a good runner and jumper. Very long arms. A player that is still developing his offensive reputar. DCR does have a nice stroke, he may not use it a ton, but it is underrated and I can see that gettimg better as years go on. Watch his free throws, the ball comes out pretty smooth. I see a plus defender inside and outside. Especially, in today's pace and space/ pick and roll-pop games, it is key to have a big who can defend inside/out. A better shot blocker than given credit for. Overall, DCR is a solid player and would be a good get, if all are on board with it. Needs to improve his offensive game in general and his strength and conditioning. Long, but skinny arms needs to bulk up to be the player that I believe he can be.
3) Chris Lykes: Obviously, we know the size, so I am going to stay away from it. I see a very talented players, who is a plus athelte on both ends. He is a very talented offensive player, who gets into the lane and can shoot a bit. Lykes uses his size to his advantage, he has a very low center of gravity when making his move and exploding pass a defender. Small guards know how to use their size to an advantage with the ball, get lower than your defender. I think he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Potentially, I see a good on ball defender. However, he might struggle in the lick and to game. To me, he is an up tempo guard, who will use his speed and quickness to get his own and create for others. My question is, have we really seen a true "up tempo" team with Jay? Sure, we have ran a times. But we are a very good half court team. Can Lykes adapt? He is a take if Jay feels he can.
Brandon Randolph: I see him as a plan B/C guy who can shoot up the depth chart, provided if Lonnie decides to go elsewhere. I think his game points to an option B type of player, which isn't a bad thing. Has things he needs to work on, but there are a lot worse option B's out there. I like his game, but do realize he has some limitations on both ends.
Darron Russel: Simply, I think he is a lower level type of player, Temple and St.Joes could really use him. I like his game, but his game isn't good enough to be at a Nova level. He should have a good career at a lower level school. I think he will have good success there.
Bamba: In my opinion, he is the #1 player in the country. Makes a huge impact on the defensive end. Obviously, raw on the offensive side, but I think he is better than some give him credit for. He is pretty fluid moving and runs the floor well. Some players make a good living having a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball and being a player who sets picks and rolls to the basket. A lot of his baskets come on out backs or being set up for dunks right now. He will be a 1&done and a team will draft him on pure potential. Should we monitor? Yes. However, in my opinion, we shouldn't monitor to the point where we cost ourselves a guy like DCR who can be just as solid of a player for a one year player. I saw enough of Spellman and Painter to not want to risk there future at Nova, more notably Painter then for a guy like Bamba. Might not be a popular opinion. Painter has game, good skills on both ends that I think is t worth risking for Bamba. That being said, I do like Bamba, just not as a fit for Nova, in my opinion.
Some other little tidbits I came across:
Robby Carmody was just offered by Rice. ND is going to be taking a look at him. LVille has offered with Purdue. I think he would be a good option for 2018 depending on what the roster and class balance looks like.
A kid to watch for is Mikeal Jones, freshman out of Roman. I like his game. Patsox may know a little more about him. I think he is around six foot four, long arms, and some good ball skills. Pretty skinny in frame. He will get more exposure this year, due to the RC team leaving this year. I believe he is with Team Final.
