First thing on Coach's recruiting plate - a PG

[storminspank]

Once Coach is able to lock down the current players, figure out who is returning, and securing the current signees, he needs to focus on getting a backup PG to help out Cully. This is even more important with the style we will be seeing.

 

[2boys]

It sounds like he has a pretty good lead on a good one right now. It would be great to see him land him right away.

 

[blkngoldUofI]

I guess as a second thought maybe a true post player that can rebound, block some shots, rebound and run the floor!

 

[Hawk4Life76]

I think the first recruiting things should be focused on Marcus Paige and try to get back in with Randle. Use the up-tempo & new practice facility to see if there is any interest.

 

[storminspank]

I hope Coach McCaffery can get back in touch with the guys Iowa was in with, esp Randle. IN fact, this style would be much more favorable to Chasson. I know it's a long shot, but keeping Chad Wathall in as a DBO or some sort of assistant would go a long way to helping the transition. That is, if Chad wanted to stay and if McCaffery would want him.

 

[iowahawkeyes89]

Marcus Paige, yes, but I think Randle is a big time long shot at best.

Focus our time on realistic options IMO. The PG (Bryon Allen?) he was recruiting at Siena would be a great start.

 

[busabus114]

A starting PG who can create would be even better. I think someone capable of challenging Cully for the starting job would be great

 

[drew003]

I think Randle was made for McCaffery's style of pay. A strong combo guard who can get where he wants on the courts, score and make plays for others. I think Randle has legitimate interest in University of Iowa (not necessarily the previous regime). There is no way to explain his numerous trips to Carver, where he sat and watched Iowa play slow-ball and get beat in a 1/2 full Carver. He seems like a kid who values academics and fit. McCaffery seems to be a coach who values academics, values guard-play, and has good player-relations. Would love to Fran go hard after Randle.

 

[FreddyBrown]

Randle and Paige can wait a little while. We need someone for 2010.

However, I think the chances that our program will be appealing to both of those guys will improve with the style of play Coach favors.

 

[iowahawkeyes89]

I think Randle was made for McCaffery's style of pay. A strong combo guard who can get where he wants on the courts, score and make plays for others. I think Randle has legitimate interest in University of Iowa (not necessarily the previous regime). There is no way to explain his numerous trips to Carver, where he sat and watched Iowa play slow-ball and get beat in a 1/2 full Carver. He seems like a kid who values academics and fit. McCaffery seems to be a coach who values academics, values guard-play, and has good player-relations. Would love to Fran go hard after Randle.

Thats a lot of optimism, which is fine.

Its a pretty short trip from Rock Island, and being a basketball fan, I don't think it would be that hard to pass up free tickets to sit courtside.

 

[drew003]

Thats a lot of optimism, which is fine.

Its a pretty short trip from Rock Island, and being a basketball fan, I don't think it would be that hard to pass up free tickets to sit courtside.

I just think Randle would listen. Not saying he would come here. And I'm unsure how many other 2011 Top 100 recruits are would be real receptive to any initial conversation with McCaffery. But I think, just a gut feeling, that Randle would in good-faith listen to McCaffery's pitch, and I think McCaffery actually can make a pretty good pitch.

 

[HeneryHawk]

Why recruit a back up?
How many kids will get excited with,"hey, I can go there and be a backup" vs "hey I can go there and compete for a starting spot" ? Seems pretty obvious that you go for the best player you can and then see who wins the floor time. That competition makes the team better. To get a guy as a backup is a poor message sent to players, where they feel entitled to a spot and dont work hard to improve or keep it(remember, it wasnt too long that that seemed to permeate the football team), plus, if a kid only wants to be a backup, will he be any good anyways?

 

[DunderMifflinHk]

I talked to one of the players and he said they met with McCaffery today and had a good first impression with him. That's a good sign.