PSU Hoops Recruiting Strategy versus Us

[23won]

They signed players rated #118 and 119.  One from Philly and one from DC's competitive WCAC conference.

They also signed a sharpshooter import who plays in the WCAC conference and probably is not highly rated since he is relatively an unknown to Rivals and others.  I like that approach (and wouldn't mind G sniffing out recent imports who are settling in a solid program/conference).

Them.  In the end, PSU has a high quality guard, a solid 3 and a very good 4/5 for 2015.

Us.  If Yevgen is enrolling now (big question), he's a 2014.  That leaves us with no 2015 commits and what looks like more offers out for 2016s than 2015s. Looks like 3-0 PSU, heading into the home stretch.

My Takeaway.  I like that G is trying hard for top 100 types, but I'd feel a lot better if we had a few 100-150s locked down for 2015 instead of chasing top 100s, since we lose a lot of talent this year that will be tough to replace.  I know we got Shuler last year, but I'd feel better with G focusing on here, NJ, Baltimore and DC in particular  instead of chasing high rated long-shots from outside the zone.

Not criticizing, but offering my .02 on a more concentrated focus.  What do you guys think?



 

[MisterD]

I'm guessing we aren't appealing to kids in that range given our logjam at atleast the 1-3 positions for a few seasons. Shoot high, hope to hit, if not wait it out a year.

[lwc4591]

23 you never know how good players are based on ratings unless those ratings are very high as in top 25.
G may not be a great in game coach but he has a great eye recognizing talented players and always gets players who are solid to good and represent the school in a positve way. His past to classes look pretty good with Roberts, Price and Davis (Soph Class) and Stukes, Shuler, Washington and Sakhniuk (Frosh Class).
I expect G will bring in two minimum, three maximum for next years class.

[ck]

I see on ESPN Yevgen is given three stars, as a 6'7" small forward.
How is his offensive game? Would he contribute this year? if so,
La Salle could have a good, deep frontcourt with some holdovers
for 2015.

[lwc4591]

ck have seen video on Yvegen and he plays tough yet moves well for a 6'-7" (200 lb. ??/ - guess)player.
Fundamentally looks schooled and has solid leaping ability and passes well. Type of player who bangs boards but not fancy. I think G may have hit on Yvegen with a player who will be a plus for the long haul. He looks like a good offensive player based on his passing and accuracy in close around the basket. He is rated as one of the best players on his team and always seems to lead in the rebounding stats with his scoring being good also.

[explorerman]

The 2015 recruiting is naturally very important in order for the sustainability of the program...

Giannini's recruiting strategy is starting to produce a pattern. An absolute must is getting another big man in the long, athletic mold.

Giannini is back in DC with another player who has an absolute incredible upside. Someone who would be a great fit in a spread as the guy is extremely athletic and get up and down a court while playing above the rim..

Check out on google for Sylvester Ogbonda. Who would be a fantastic get for us.

[23won]

Good intel E-man. However, this goes to my larger point. G needs to lock down guys that are attainable asap and not go too long chasing a long shot. On the one hand, I do like the DC focus.  However, if this guy continues to blow it up in camps and in the coming season, we will have no shot, so you have to balance the realistic chances of landing this guy and the associated effort by G, against the chances of getting someone who can contribute and for which we have a better shot. That's why a lock down is important.

As further fuel for my point, consider that S.O. goes to the same HS that Durant went to. Many other D1 players played there. It's only a matter of time before everyone is chasing this guy harder than G is. Also consider that many coaches have prior experience landing guys from this school. I applaud G and hope he gets him, but this seems like it could turn out to be a stretch.