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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 18, 2009 21:54:36 GMT -5
Dominique O'Connor, Westchester's star Point Guard, is leading his team to the State Championship finals including victories over Renaldo Sidney's Fairfax team.He is not an LMU recruit. I understand this as he is undersized at 5'10" (same as Mitrell Clark), and we don't need help at the guard slot. But consider that he is rated an 86 by the scouts and might start a pattern of Westchester stars coming to LMU. They have a big 6'9" kid playing inside (not sure of his work ethic) and have produced a string of quality players. While Westchester's success can be attributed to quality coaching by Ed Azzam, and a great gym sponsored by Nike (not to neglect the stream of quality players), it might be nice to have this link to the school if O'Connor qualifies on academic criteria. Recall DuBois's scout rating was 76 while O'Connor's is an 86! Maybe teaming up this Westchester team will add spark to the Lions!? In any case, here is his scouting evaluation. He is considering San Francisco and Montana State (who?).
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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 18, 2009 21:55:39 GMT -5
The big kid is a junior.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 18, 2009 22:04:36 GMT -5
Yes, I'm talking to myself but here is his report (mea culpa - like forgetting the attachment on an email!)
February, 2009: O'Connor does a tremendous job of getting to the hoop, using his good quickness and strength to get to break down defenders on his way to the paint. Once at the rim, O'Connor has very good body control, twisting and adjusting in mid-air to avoid shot blockers in the paint. He needs to add a floater to his arsenal in order to score when he cannot get all the way to the rim. He keeps defenders guessing by changing speeds off the bounce. He also does a decent job of processing off the high pick-and-roll set, but needs to do a better job of finding open teammates on this offensive play. O'Connor also plays very well transition and can find the open man streaking to the rim on the break or spotting up in transition for jumpers. O'Connor has range that extends out to the 3-point line, but he needs to get a little more consistent there and get more lift on the shot, as he shoots close to a set shot from distance now.
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Post by zagsfanforlife on Mar 18, 2009 22:30:06 GMT -5
Thanks wrschnicke.... this is some good stuff. I am glad you didnt stop posting. You have become a valuable contributor to the board.
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Post by ironlions on Mar 18, 2009 23:43:35 GMT -5
He is choosing between usf and frsno on monday.
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Post by zagsfanforlife on Mar 19, 2009 0:17:56 GMT -5
ha that works too. USF has been getting a few talented players as of late.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 21, 2009 21:29:22 GMT -5
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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 21, 2009 21:59:08 GMT -5
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Post by fanblade on Mar 22, 2009 13:25:24 GMT -5
Nice find!
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Post by LIONS90045 on Mar 22, 2009 17:16:12 GMT -5
Saturday evening, Westchester dominated Northern California's McClymonds (29-2) in the Division I state championship game (49-31) played in Sacramento. Dominique O'Connor (16 points, 5 steals) was the game MVP, showing off his lightning quickness and all around skills. Westchester's team play and smothering defense held McClymonds to 11 points in the first half, sending their big man (Damon Powell) into the locker room very frustrated. McClymonds never challenged in this unexpectedly one-sided game. Reports are that several big junior insider players from the Comets (including Dwayne Polee) are heavily recruited. The kids come out of this program knowing and playing disciplined team ball - you can see that in DuBois - and they play tough as well! www.dailybreeze.com/sports/ci_11970443
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Post by sunkenlions on Mar 23, 2009 1:29:55 GMT -5
Just to correct your first post, Westchester definitely does not have a nice gym, unless I'm missing something, they may be "sponsored" by Nike, but the gym is old and pretty small. Also a player rated "76" could easily be better than one rated "86," there are too many factors involved to put a number on a players ability (which is just some phony "experts" opinion anyways).
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Post by LIONS90045 on Apr 17, 2009 20:58:49 GMT -5
O'Connor lists Montana State and USF as in "consideration." USF has signed 5 new players and have no scholarships left (if my calculations are correct), so where does this talented young man end up? Another article described a player of similar size as a "Division I talent" in a "Division II body." Sorry to hear this about Dominique. I wish him the best. Maybe Montana State isn't so bad?
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Post by ironlions on Apr 18, 2009 11:26:52 GMT -5
He isn't going to montana. Sdsu,fresno st have offered...and he seems to be waiting on sc.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Apr 18, 2009 20:46:48 GMT -5
I will be happy to see him land in a quality program. All the schools noted are good lands for O'Connor.
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Post by lion4life on Apr 23, 2009 10:00:54 GMT -5
L.A. Westchester guard Dominique O'Conner (5-9, 160) picked up that coveted Pac-10 offer. Moreover, it comes from a hometown favorite. "USC has offered," O'Conner said today via text message.
He says the Trojans offered on Sunday, but it doesn't put the USC in the lead of his top four, which also consists of Fresno State, San Diego State, and San Francisco. However, he now holds offers from all his favorites.
O'Connor says he still plans to visit Fresno State this weekend, and says he could decide shortly after. BarkBoard.com will have more from O'Conner later this evening.
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