"Fish or cut bait" time for Brust?

[FreddyBrown]

Caff has his final in-home with Brust tonight. Reports are that Ben is planning visits to other far-flung schools (Cal, maybe BC, Big Ten's?) and will take his time. Fine for him, but I wonder if Caff will be looking to close the deal tonight and failing that, whether he will tell Ben he can't promise a ride thereafter.

The interesting scenario would be is if we land Basabe and another guard and have an opportunity to take a third player like Wilkins. Do we say "buh-bye" to Ben or would that become a "take four" scenario?

I now doubt very seriously that we would take four because I think Coach has some good prospects interested for 2011 and he'd like to have at least two rides. So, there is a possibility that time is the enemy for Brust.

 

[homes]

Caff has his final in-home with Brust tonight. Reports are that Ben is planning visits to other far-flung schools (Cal, maybe BC, Big Ten's?) and will take his time. Fine for him, but I wonder if Caff will be looking to close the deal tonight and failing that, whether he will tell Ben he can't promise a ride thereafter.

The interesting scenario would be is if we land Basabe and another guard and have an opportunity to take a third player like Wilkins. Do we say "buh-bye" to Ben or would that become a "take four" scenario?

I now doubt very seriously that we would take four because I think Coach has some good prospects interested for 2011 and he'd like to have at least two rides. So, there is a possibility that time is the enemy for Brust.

Ben, it's not personal, it's just business.

 

[CAARHawk]

I still think need more of ball handling guard, as opposed to a shooting guard. My dream would be big guard that looks to score at the rim, dish, or kick out, who can also rebound, defend and post smaller guards up. More of a working scorer than a shooter.

 

[KJ22]

I think when he asked for his release for some it became...Ben, it's not business, it's personal.


I personally don't blame him or Larson for getting their release. As I found out, a coaching change can change things within a program dramatically and maybe the original school isn't best for you. It's only fair to everyone involved to make sure the new situation is a good fit for the player.

That being said, I think that at least one scholarship will be banked. Ben's offer will stand as long as there is a spot still open. And I think that goes for everyone. I don't think Coach Caff is necessarily holding a scholly for one player other than maybe Basabe. First three that want to come are on board.

 

[knighthawk13]

I still think need more of ball handling guard, as opposed to a shooting guard. My dream would be big guard that looks to score at the rim, dish, or kick out, who can also rebound, defend and post smaller guards up. More of a working scoring than a shooter.

You might want to change that to "wet dream."

 

[CAARHawk]

You might want to change that to "wet dream."

No, that would be a guy who could also step out and knock down the three. I just think Iowa needs some tougher/stronger guards to be able to play in the Big Ten.

I am not hoping for Dwayne Wade, or Kobe. Just a work horse type of guard that will make whomever he is playing feel like he is going to battle on every possession.

 

[FreddyBrown]

You might want to change that to "wet dream."

Other than the size issue that's hardly a "wet dream."

 

[JehovahShalom]

I don't think coach should burn any bridges.... if Brust wants to take his time then fine. If coach fills the spots then he will be the odd man out. This way coach doesn't have to be the bad guy. Brust will have the decision, if opts to wait then it's on him. I really would have liked to get Brust back... but, I just don't think it's likely at this point.

 

[FreddyBrown]

I don't think he'd burn any bridges, but if there's one thing we've learned it's that this family should be advised of all possible contingencies--and if Caff isn't committed to holding a ride regardless of who else wants to commit, I think he'd probably tell Brust that.

The real question is whether he is committed to holding a ride, and I doubt that he can afford to be.

 

[tweeterhawk]

Freddy, I think you're correct. Tonight could be a take it or leave it moment for Ben.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if Fran holds two schollies for next season.

 

[Hooper]

I believe Freddy is on to something. I think coach will say something along the lines of, "Ben if you are willing to commit to Iowa, I will accept that right now and i will hold a scholarship for you. However if you are still unsure and want to keep looking then you should know that we will be looking as well, and I will have to take the first guard who commits. And just so you know, I have talked to several kids who would love to be Hawkeyes. But I want you to have first crack. What is your decision?"

 

[storminspank]

I think FreddyBrown has a good grasp of this. This is the approach I would take.

 

[Cydkar]

No question that you can't hold a scholarship for Ben. Granted , it may be avaialble for awhile but not becasue it's being held.

 

[JHHawk]

I hope that is Fran's approach. Take it now,Ben,or both parties are on an equal footing...ie. if Ben sees something he likes,he can jump at it,but likewise if Iowa sees something they like,they can jump on it.

I hope Fran does not let Ben hold Iowa hostage...like a girlfriend that wants to be able to date other people,but only her,not you...not fair.

 

[rockbreaker]

I guess I always assumed that once Ben was released from his LOI he was no longer guaranteed a scholarship here. Yes, he has an offer, but if someone better comes along, we have no obligation to hold a scholarship for him.

 

[JCarr1321]

I hope that is Fran's approach. Take it now,Ben,or both parties are on an equal footing...ie. if Ben sees something he likes,he can jump at it,but likewise if Iowa sees something they like,they can jump on it.

I hope Fran does not let Ben hold Iowa hostage...like a girlfriend that wants to be able to date other people,but only her,not you...not fair.

Sounds like a personal problem, lol.

 

[Hawk4Life76]

I don't think he'd burn any bridges, but if there's one thing we've learned it's that this family should be advised of all possible contingencies--and if Caff isn't committed to holding a ride regardless of who else wants to commit, I think he'd probably tell Brust that.

The real question is whether he is committed to holding a ride, and I doubt that he can afford to be.

Spot on- couldn't have said it better. If BB is going to look around (which I'm completely fine with and understand)...so is FMc

 

[NewMexHawk]

The coach would obviously like Brust to join the team or he wouldn't be visiting him so much so he sees something he likes. I hope he recommits. I can't imagine he is going to give him an "either/or."

 

[TheNebraskaHawk]

I hope he recommits as well. He would be an all around nice addition and one step closer to digging out the hole that we are in...

 

[tweeterhawk]

So someone please help me with the forensics of how the meeting went:

No word for next 2 days = meeting went well, Ben contemplating re-signing?
No word after 3 days = Ben leaning but perhaps resolving final options?
Ben visits other schools = Ben's gone?
Phil Haddy spotted working = Ben coming to IC to announce he's staying?

Sorry, that last one may be a cheap shot.