*Story Added: McCaffery Visits Christian Vital at his School Today



Trying to follow up with Christian now to get some reaction.
 


I know you obviously know much more than me on the subject Rob, but for some reason I don't feel like our chances are very good with him. Then again I felt that way with Dom Uhl as well and we all know how that turned out. He does seem like a great player who is also a very smart young man. Would really like to see him in the Black and Gold.
 


We'll just have to see how it plays out. I don't get any sense that his mind is made up.

He's already de-committed once. I think he really wants to be sure this time.
 


I continue to be confused by the pessimism related to Vital. I'm not saying we're going to get him. But we made his final 3. He met with Fran. He's going to visit Iowa. I haven't read anything (other than unfounded speculation) to suggest Vital prefers UConn or Louisville to Iowa at this point. And his original commit was to UNLV. So I'm not buying the argument that he wants to stay closer to home.
 


The more I watch this kid the more I like his game. His highlights show a dead-eye shooter that hits bottom. He plays in one of the most competitive leagues in NYC. Is he a true pg? No. But he showed enough handles to me that leads me to believe he could play pg very effectively. Plus, he really comes across as a high character kid.

I disagree with the pessimism. Vital seems genuinely impressed with coach.
 


If UCONN and Louisville want him why wouldn't we? Both programs are heads above ours historically. Louisville has crazy guards year in and out...bring him in!
 




So, looks like he's taking an official to Louisville. I guess we're next...and last, if he does visit. If he does and we get the last chance to impress, then we probably do have a legit chance with this kid. I just really, really like his scoring ability. This kid would be an immediate team upgrade and will get minutes next season. The future of Moss and Vital at the 2 is full of potential. And Vital, Williams and JB at pg will be more than enough.
 


I would think if he bases his decision in large part where he would receive the most minutes right away, our chances are pretty decent.
 


SteveGarvey1 said:
I would think if he bases his decision in large part where he would receive the most minutes right away, our chances are pretty decent.
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It's important. This is what he told me in this story: http://hawkeyenation.com/2016/hawkeyes-have-good-chance-with-nyc-pg-christian-vital

McCaffery has told Vital (6-2, 175) that he fills a need.

“He said that they need a point guard with the transfers (Brandon Hutton, Andrew Fleming) and he has heard what type of person and player I am and wants me to come in,” Vital said. “Early playing time is very important. But I know every minute will have to be earned.”
 


RobHowe said:
It's important. This is what he told me in this story: http://hawkeyenation.com/2016/hawkeyes-have-good-chance-with-nyc-pg-christian-vital

McCaffery has told Vital (6-2, 175) that he fills a need.

“He said that they need a point guard with the transfers (Brandon Hutton, Andrew Fleming) and he has heard what type of person and player I am and wants me to come in,” Vital said. “Early playing time is very important. But I know every minute will have to be earned.”
Click to expand...

I just reread your story and I like our chances even more than the first time I read it. My gut is telling me he's ours to lose. I was afraid he might like UConn and cancel his other visits. But that didn't happen so I'm very encouraged.
 


He's being really deliberate with the process after de-committing once already. As a result, I think he'll look beyond name brand and focus on what's most important to him. Not saying that will lead him to us, but we're not normally going to beat out UConn or Louisville for East Coast kids and the circumstances here give us a decent shot, IMO.
 


SteveGarvey1 said:
I would think if he bases his decision in large part where he would receive the most minutes right away, our chances are pretty decent.
Click to expand...

Fran and his staff have shown they won't be overworked by other staffs. Iowa is getting to the point under McCaffery that they won't need to be taking chances on guys that might develop that they have in the past. I think Iowa has some guys on the roster that are going to be future stars for Iowa. Its pretty amazing that the coaching staff has developed first team all conference players three years in a row. I can't see Marble ever getting to the pros except that he spent four years under the Iowa coaching staff. There are a lot of great players, and I think they will get their share.
 


Questions? I understand he originally committed to UNLV and then decomitted when their coach left UNLV. I thought I read that somewhere, Is that true?

I haven't really paid a lot of attention to UNLV lately so I am wondering why he chose them in the first place. Did their former coach have the program on the rise or was there some type of connection with the head coach or one of his assistants?
 


He was committed and then decommitted from UNLV. Dave Rice and his staff recruited well but didn't win enough games after initial success. From what he's told me, he didn't think it through enough when he committed out there. And, he never signed a letter of intent so when he de-committed he didn't need a release.
 


RobHowe said:
He was committed and then decommitted from UNLV. Dave Rice and his staff recruited well but didn't win enough games after initial success. From what he's told me, he didn't think it through enough when he committed out there. And, he never signed a letter of intent so when he de-committed he didn't need a release.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rob
 






Way to step it up Fran. He is aggressive & committed. Love that. If (When) Iowa can turn the corner, and finish a season highly rated & strong, then make a deep run in the tournament, highly rated recruits will be the norm for McCaffrey.

We should have a visit this week from Vital. Hope we can seal the deal! That would add a lot of promise to our backcourt.... The Hawkeye's future certainly does look bright.
 


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