Aaron White 1st Hand Observation

[JonDMiller]

I received an email yesterday from someone that has watched and covered Aaron White the last few years, and this person said I could pass along these comments...he had seen the discussion on White on our boards from the other day. This person has seen White play numerous times. Here are his comments:

"Aaron is definitely solid enough to play in the Big 10 now. He is thin, but not frail. He is very athletic, can handle with both hands, is a skilled passer and very good perimeter shooter for a big man. In his team's six-team league, there are players going to Michigan State (Kenny Kaminski, still just a junior), West Virginia (Pat Forsythe), Penn State (Trey Lewis) and Aaron. Aaron is as good or better than any, though Forsythe, a very skilled 6-11, will be an NBA lottery pick within two years.

You will also love Ray Hamilton, who is coming to play TE for the Iowa football team. He has the best hands of any TE I have covered in over 20 years as a sportswriter."

 

[iowahawkeyes89]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

 

[JonDMiller]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

Summer before senior year. He wouldn't be the first player to blossom as a senior. Last summer, Cezar Guererro was in that range.

 

[HawkeyeRyno]

Great to hear. Really excited to see this kid play right away next season. If Fran can get a Center and PG for some depth, this team could surprise. Remember the conference is going to be down considerably so Hawks need to take advantage.

 

[TheNebraskaHawk]

I have heard no one call Aaron a mid major prospect. Seriously, what about his game is not to like?

 

[smoot27]

I have heard no one call Aaron a mid major prospect. Seriously, what about his game is not to like?

They probably are just saying that because he's a tall, thin white guy.

 

[McHawkin]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

Thread hijack FAIL.

 

[scourt]

Jon thanks for the post. I'm excited to see this kids game. His stats are through the roof this year. Also nice to know about his competition and how he stacks up.
Nice to hear about Hamilton as well.

 

[FCAS]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

A mid major player like Gordon Hayward? Yes, please.

 

[Cyclones17]

Last summer, Cezar Guererro was in that range.

No he wasn't. Sure he committed to Western Kentucky but he was a 4 star on rivals still.

 

[rodg12]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

Time to find some new AAU guys to listen to...

 

[Enginerd]

I like the comparison to Gordon Hayward

 

[AIRHAWK]

Love to hear these things. I hope these are true. However, I am taking these with a bit of skeptism. Seems like we heard the same thing about Anthony Tucker a few short years ago.

 

[theboat]

A mid major player like Gordon Hayward? Yes, please.

Exactly. There are a ton of mid-major talent players still playing in this tournament.

The differences between mid major and midtier power conference is minimal today. Except for the lottery picks that will always go to NC, Duke, Kent, etc. the main difference between a middle Big ten team and a mid-major is depth.

 

[Hooper]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

Well I suppose that is why they are "aau guys" instead of a head coach at a big ten university. I'll go with Fran's opinion on this one if you don't mind.

 

[tweeterhawk]

They probably are just saying that because he's a tall, thin white guy.

+1

 

[DesMoinesHawki]

You just never know how a player will perform once on campus. But I believe Fran knows talent when he sees it, and sees the potential in kids. One thing I like about this staff is I think they know how to develop players.

 

[Ronco]

Several AAU guys I know who saw White play this summer described him as a mid major prospect

Well Crap......., we got screwed. After all, what a player is before his senior year is what that player is to be for the next 3,4,5 years. If only players could improve and their games weren't static. Maybe UNI will take him off our hands.......

 

[hawkdrummer1]

Until Fran whiffs bigtime on somebody, I don't think any of us should be too quick to question.

Cartwright surprised us all, and Basabe looks like he's all Big Ten for 3 more years. Fran also tried desperately to land Jimmer Fredette, a guy most of the big programs passed on. He was just chosen National POY by at least three orgs.

Fran knows talent. I'm cool with whoever he wants to bring in.

 

[hawkIhoops]

Apparently the in state bias cuts both ways. If White played at Sioux City, people would be screaming he is a must get. Since he doesn't, some are labeling him a mid major talent. Are these the same experts that ordained Cougill as the next Harangody and raved about his soft hands? (Note the schools that have offered Cougill..WI-Green Bay, South Dakota State, Valpo etc. NOT big ten / big 12 schools)

There are more kids going to high D1 programs in White's conference than in the entire state of Iowa-that should tell you something. The kid has height, length, hops and can shoot. What isn't to like about him? I would rather bring a kid in who has played against better competition than gamble on a kid like Woodbury who plays against 6"5 posts all year. Not a dig on Woodbury, just saying that you have to factor in the difference in talent state-to-state. We have one Barnes every 5-7 years, Ohio produces a dozen + big time players every year.