There's lots of speculation and wish lists going on concerning our last two recruiting spots. However, the only two uncommitted prospects who have visited or have set a confirmed visit are Hubbard and Olaseni. Because signing day is 3 weeks away, I'm going with those 2 as the most likely recruits. Remember, Fran has said repeatedly that he's going after the best available talents, not necessarily a PG.
A lot of posters shy away from Hubbard because of his past. However, Fran is not stupid and he doesn't have a religious axe to grind that might blind him like Alford. You've got to be sure Fran and staff checked this guy out thoroughly before offering. That said, his past is why he's available. He could step right into our line-up as a player with all of May's athletic talents plus ball-handling and penetrating ability, good 3pt shooter (33%), rebounding (10 per currently), no fear in the lane (20ppg, 64%fg), and lots of BB experience at 25 yo. Because he's a penetrator, I could do without a PG in this class and go with Cartwright, Payne, and Marble. He would also allow a line-up with White, Basabe, Hubbard, Gatens, and Cartwright because of his rebounding. Note that this line-up could potentially have 5 double-digit scorers. Olaseni is likely to be most suited to come off the bench his first year. He and Brommer could provide 25 or so minutes at center. I think this would be ideal for Olaseni because he could be coached before he went into the game and share time with a Sr. already familiar with the system. He'd be set up as the only center going into 2012 with any experience. He's an unknown quantity but rumored to be strong defensively, something we could obviously use under the hoop. No other offers or visits I know of. I think Hubbard is trying to play a waiting game, hoping a high-level team will pick him up. Because of his past, I don't think that's going to happen and we could well be lucky enough to get him. I think it would be a good thing for him too, as adding his shooting, rebounding, and penetrating ability to our already existing line-up would shore up weaknesses and make IA a better team. His talents would be well-used at Iowa.
The other main pursuits that I know of are Carter, Jackson, and Glover. God's Gift Achiuwa keeps being talked about on IA fan sites but nowhere else. I think he might be going to St. John's. Katenda is going to ND or Wake, face it. As the highest-rated PG remaining on the board, Carter's going to be unlikely. I think Jackson is on hold because UNC gave him a whiff and he too is unlikely as he is a top ten recruit remaining of the board. Is there continuing interest in Glover?
To be clear, if we could get any 2 of the above, I'd be very happy. However, for the reasons stated, at this late date without other scheduled visits, I think we are most likely to get Olaseni and Hubbard.
UncleHawk
A lot of posters shy away from Hubbard because of his past. However, Fran is not stupid and he doesn't have a religious axe to grind that might blind him like Alford. You've got to be sure Fran and staff checked this guy out thoroughly before offering. That said, his past is why he's available. He could step right into our line-up as a player with all of May's athletic talents plus ball-handling and penetrating ability, good 3pt shooter (33%), rebounding (10 per currently), no fear in the lane (20ppg, 64%fg), and lots of BB experience at 25 yo. Because he's a penetrator, I could do without a PG in this class and go with Cartwright, Payne, and Marble. He would also allow a line-up with White, Basabe, Hubbard, Gatens, and Cartwright because of his rebounding. Note that this line-up could potentially have 5 double-digit scorers. Olaseni is likely to be most suited to come off the bench his first year. He and Brommer could provide 25 or so minutes at center. I think this would be ideal for Olaseni because he could be coached before he went into the game and share time with a Sr. already familiar with the system. He'd be set up as the only center going into 2012 with any experience. He's an unknown quantity but rumored to be strong defensively, something we could obviously use under the hoop. No other offers or visits I know of. I think Hubbard is trying to play a waiting game, hoping a high-level team will pick him up. Because of his past, I don't think that's going to happen and we could well be lucky enough to get him. I think it would be a good thing for him too, as adding his shooting, rebounding, and penetrating ability to our already existing line-up would shore up weaknesses and make IA a better team. His talents would be well-used at Iowa.
The other main pursuits that I know of are Carter, Jackson, and Glover. God's Gift Achiuwa keeps being talked about on IA fan sites but nowhere else. I think he might be going to St. John's. Katenda is going to ND or Wake, face it. As the highest-rated PG remaining on the board, Carter's going to be unlikely. I think Jackson is on hold because UNC gave him a whiff and he too is unlikely as he is a top ten recruit remaining of the board. Is there continuing interest in Glover?
To be clear, if we could get any 2 of the above, I'd be very happy. However, for the reasons stated, at this late date without other scheduled visits, I think we are most likely to get Olaseni and Hubbard.
UncleHawk
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