|
Post by ironlions on Sept 26, 2009 0:58:33 GMT -5
Don't have net access on phone...did AI's espn ranking change?
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Sept 26, 2009 9:42:46 GMT -5
Rated 84 on ESPN
Evaluation September, 2009: Ireland is tough as nails with ideal composure and temperament for a point guard. However, he played in an attacking transition system in previous years that allowed him to thrive as a scoring guard and is just beginning to learn the nuances of how to run a team. He's done a nice job recently of reducing his turnovers and improving his shot selection, and will only continue to improve with more experience. He's slightly undersized and plays primarily under the rim, but has fairly long arms and a strong core. He has a throw back mid-range game with a lethal pull-up and is also adept at getting to the rim and finishing. He's a capable three-point threat when his feet are set and a sufficient containment defender.
Considering LMU, Saint Bonaventure, Virginia Commonwealth University and Lasalle College.
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Sept 26, 2009 9:43:53 GMT -5
He is up from 81 noted earlier on ESPN just days ago.
|
|
|
Post by lmutourney2011 on Sept 28, 2009 11:54:20 GMT -5
Let's get this guy! I know we can always use extra bigs like Aziz but that is one more sophomore or junior to add to the pile that will devastate recruiting for two straight years and lead to being a young team once again. Size doesn't determine tenacity and this kid seems full of it.if he can pass the ball, has some handles, and play defense what else do we need in a point guard with playmakers around him. Currently we are one of the most athletically gifted teams in the WCC and the skill will build with time, but lets not forget we have a Defensively minded coach who wont let games get out of hand scoring wise when a bench is full of talent.
Lets add a distributor and not worry about adding a Juco big that will have a short time here. They are quick fixes when you get transfers and over the length of the program it needs to be decided if we are going to be constantly turning over our players every two years or build it with freshman. Think of a great program, Duke-Paulas played there for what 10 years....? Arizona- Buddinger seems to be there forever, VCU- Mayor made multiple runs into the post season. but San Diego state, Long beach state teams like that get a good year every once in a while and cant be long standing teams. Look at our own conference Gonzaga takes only a few transfers and it seems like Pargo was there for ever along with Pendergraf. These teams have found a way to build lets follow the blueprint that others have made successful.
Vernon was great because he came in with an ability to score and a body that can handle the blows but what is going to make him sell out to the team defensive philosophy if he is here for 2 years? If we want a team and not a player then you go to high schools and find guys that earn their respect on the team.
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Sept 28, 2009 15:06:54 GMT -5
If we are concerned about A.I.'s size, note that USC just got a verbal from 5'7", 150 lb, Maurice Jones out of Michigan. Point Guard with ESPN rating of 92. insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=44315Evaluation May, 2009: Jones is small, thin and needs to add strength but he plays with heart and is very productive on both ends of the floor. He is cat quick with a tight handle as he pushes the ball in transition at high speeds. He has a laundry list of dribble moves and he can beat pressure at will. Jones can penetrate and kick or drive draw and quick to find the open man on a regular basis. He can also knock down the mid range pull when he has enough area to create space in order to get off the shot. At times he will over penetrate that will result in a turnover because the defense will surround him in a small area and he can't get off his shot or see the open man because of his size but this doesn't happen that often. He is a streaky three point shooter but good enough that the defense must pay attention. Jones thinks pass first but is not afraid to call his own number. On defense he is a pesky on ball defender due to blinding speed and quickness. He has drawn comparisons to Earl Boykins and Drew Lavender and both are pretty accurate as his has bits and pieces of both in his game. A.I. doesn't look so small now, does he?
|
|
|
Post by shredaahead on Oct 2, 2009 10:06:25 GMT -5
What's going on with Jordan Gathers' recruitment. I think it would be an amazing story if we got in the nephew of Hank. ESPN says we're recruiting him and they have him rated higher than Ireland.
|
|
|
Post by ironlions on Oct 2, 2009 11:25:07 GMT -5
I believe Gathers is more of a SG, a position we are loaded at: Larry,Vernon,Given and even Jarred could play the 2.
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 2, 2009 11:28:07 GMT -5
Thanks shredaahead - amazing the leads you pick up on this site. From ESPN Jordan Gathers William Howard Taft High School, Woodland Hills, CA 6' 3", 180 lbs, Shooting Guard (not a PG per ironlions note) Rating 87, #79 at position Evaluation March, 2009: Gathers is a physical 2-guard with a solid feel for the game. He has a stocky frame with good length and better-than-average athleticism. He is an excellent spot-up shooter with a smooth release. His shot tend to fall apart off the dribble, but his mid-range pull-up is pretty consistent. Gathers excels in the open court and is one of the better defensive guards in the west, especially when playing the passing lanes. He has great instincts and can really accelerate in transition. His decision-making has improved immensely since his junior campaign when he forced the action more-often-than-not. In addition, he is quite the nifty passer in transition. Overall, Gathers should be considered one of the better combo-guards in the west. Considering Nevada, Fresno State, USC, Long Beach State and LMU insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=56377&season=2010Looks a lot like another JD to me.
|
|
|
Post by shredaahead on Oct 3, 2009 10:03:49 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 3, 2009 13:18:19 GMT -5
Nice articles - yes there might be a bit of magic seeing the Gathers name on the Gersten scoreboard again.
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 4, 2009 20:17:11 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by lion99 on Oct 5, 2009 12:46:38 GMT -5
For what it's worth, Washington's starting PG Isaiah Thomas is 5'8" and expected to lead the Huskies to the top of the Pac-10. Just saying.
|
|
|
Post by ironlions on Oct 5, 2009 19:01:51 GMT -5
ESPNU 100 PG Andre Stringer to LSU
Point guard Andre Stringer, No. 76 in the current ESPNU 100, verbally committed to LSU on Monday.
The 5-foot-9 Stringer chose the Tigers over Alabama and USC.
|
|
|
Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 5, 2009 20:38:24 GMT -5
Agree Ironlions - full ESPN review:
Andrew Stringer Hometown Jackson, MS High School Forest Hill High School Position rank Point Guard # 18 Height 5'10" Weight 170 lbs.
Scouts Grade 93
Evaluation May, 2009: Stringer has developed into a steady point guard with the ability to score in bunches with his three point shooting range. He is becoming a better decision maker while setting up teammates in transition and he also has figured out that over penetrating in the half court only gets him in trouble. The kid plays with a confidence and swagger that is characteristic of most successful point guards; he is not afraid to make the tough play or take the big shot at the end of games. He has good lateral quickness and harasses the ball creating turnovers. His obvious strength is his 3-point shooting ability, but he is becoming a more complete player. Stringer needs to improve his mid-range game and would be aided by adding a floater when he penetrates into the paint. He is a pit-bull that is already on the radar of many SEC schools and should develop into a good high-major get when it's all said and done.
|
|
|
Post by ironlions on Oct 12, 2009 14:34:17 GMT -5
New story about Anthony on my blog.
|
|