Tai Strickland

[higgins3]

Maybe this quote from the article that was on the main page:

Strickland said he hung out with the rest of the team as well, sans Corey Sanders.

The rising senior guard is back home in Lakeland, Florida, contemplating his future. But regardless of whether he chooses to return for his senior season or join the professional ranks, it won’t have an effect on Strickland’s decision.

“Not at all,” Strickland said when asked if Sanders’ decision affects his. “I don’t know his situation, but Pikiell told me ‘you have a place here.’ Corey could play off the ball, I could play off the ball so it really doesn’t matter.”

If Sanders stays, Strickland is probably looking at 10-15mpg. That would help his transition to D1 ball a lot. Baker is still playing 30mpg next year, with Sanders playing also probably 25-30mpg. Who knows, maybe Strickland pushes Sanders for minutes. If Strickland passes to the open man, and comes in with a better 3 pt shot, who knows? Unlikely, but possible.

Every decision is made easier with a pros and cons list.

A big part of Sanders decision is if he can improve his shot enough to get more looks from the NBA next year.

Corey likes the unorthodox style of his game. It's Iverson like, and that's his model. Off balance- I doubt he changes to balanced shots. If he stayed, this would be his third season trying to rework his shot. The best shooters find what works, and do as much as possible to keep it constant. It might not have to look pretty, but it has to produce good results, and be done over and over. The more you try to switch it, the more confusing it gets.

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Sure.

Based on a conversation I had, on Friday I think, it sounded like Minny might be headed in another direction and might cancel the visit.

My source in MN told me that's not the case.

Three different sources told me that the Gophers were trying to get game video on Strickland, but were not having any success. One source actually told me that Minny felt like someone in FL, he did not give me a name or even a hint, may be working against them.

The consensus of my three sources is that Minny wants Strickland but they wanted game video because they haven't seen him play in a game. The game video request got twisted into something that it wasn't, perhaps, by the mystery person who might not be pro Minny.

I thought that I posted an update Saturday after my source in MN got back to me. Had a pretty full Saturday and evidently forgot.

Minny did offer Trey McGowens but it appears he is going to stay in the 2019 class and not reclass into 2018.

Thank you - that is a healthy dose of information.

No doubt that the "Mystery Person" is simply being a good Sarmatian - and looking out for Tai's best interest.
The Strickland family lives in the greater Tampa - Clearwater - St. Pete area - - - and as I recall, that region is thick with transplants from the northern mid-west - all quite knowledgeable about and willing to share the terrifying tales of the perils of Minnesota.

These helpful escapees from the northern mid-west will readily share the Minnesota truths - like:
... the Real 4 seasons of Minnesota - Blizzard, Mud, Road-Repair & Mosquito
... the average Minnesota Mosquito is the size of a Blue Jay & a larger one can carry off a small child
... In Minnesota they serve Lutefisk with EVERYTHING - and one encounter with that stuff & you will smell it for months! Lutefisk on Pizza?? - on Corn Flakes ??
Seriously - Tai needs to be protected from this kind of traumatizing experience.

...

 

[RUChoppin]

If Sanders stays, Strickland is probably looking at 10-15mpg. That would help his transition to D1 ball a lot. Baker is still playing 30mpg next year, with Sanders playing also probably 25-30mpg. Who knows, maybe Strickland pushes Sanders for minutes. If Strickland passes to the open man, and comes in with a better 3 pt shot, who knows? Unlikely, but possible.

If we have both Sanders and Strickland next year, I don't know if Baker would still necessarily see 30 min.

We'd have the deepest backcourt I think we've ever seen at Rutgers, all competing for minutes.... Sanders, Baker, Mathis, Strickland, Kiss, Thiam, and Harper would be fighting for a piece of the 120 min at the three guard spots. In any game, players running hot/cold could see more/fewer minutes, and there'd be more ability to go 100% for short bursts with short rests available.

1 - Strickland
1/2 - Sanders, Baker
2/3 - Mathis, Kiss
3 - Thiam, Harper

That's 3 guys who could see time at the 1, 4 guys at the 2, and 4 guys at the 3.

And if we were to add, say, Hyatt ("Dear Santa...")... that'd get even more competitive.

 

[PatrickRU92]

So Minnesota has essentially invested little to no time in recruiting Strickland? Never even seen him play live?

At least we can't say we got outworked here.

 

[RUMBA-JK]

If we have both Sanders and Strickland next year, I don't know if Baker would still necessarily see 30 min.

We'd have the deepest backcourt I think we've ever seen at Rutgers, all competing for minutes.... Sanders, Baker, Mathis, Strickland, Kiss, Thiam, and Harper would be fighting for a piece of the 120 min at the three guard spots. In any game, players running hot/cold could see more/fewer minutes, and there'd be more ability to go 100% for short bursts with short rests available.

1 - Strickland
1/2 - Sanders, Baker
2/3 - Mathis, Kiss
3 - Thiam, Harper

That's 3 guys who could see time at the 1, 4 guys at the 2, and 4 guys at the 3.

And if we were to add, say, Hyatt ("Dear Santa...")... that'd get even more competitive.

Sanders has many things to consider - and each option has legitimate pros and cons - and portions of each will depend upon how various uncontrollable aspects play out - however - there seems to be a strong argument that one more year on a team with quality depth could be greatly to Corey's advantage - - there is no doubt that Pikiell often had to keep Corey in the game when he was on fumes and when things were not quite clicking - kept him in because even on fumes he was the best option totry to keep the team in a game
now- a season where Corey could have the luxury of playing extended bursts of full-turbo-boost and knowing that he could be given a breather by another player who could do an outstanding job of carrying on the battle - that could really allow Corey to be 'showcased'

 

[higgins3]

I just see Baker as one of Pikiells main cogs from this past year. I don't think he sees anything less than 25 minutes. If you were to look at any spot that will have the biggest competition for minutes, I think it will be Thiam, Mathis, and Kiss for that third guard/wing role. If Sanders come back, I think Sanders sees about 28 minutes, and Baker around the same.

Style of play next year will see a little bit more high tempo. That will help the guards each get a little bit more time since more breathers may be needed.

 

[higgins3]

Sanders has many things to consider - and each option has legitimate pros and cons - and portions of each will depend upon how various uncontrollable aspects play out - however - there seems to be a strong argument that one more year on a team with quality depth could be greatly to Corey's advantage - - there is no doubt that Pikiell often had to keep Corey in the game when he was on fumes and when things were not quite clicking - kept him in because even on fumes he was the best option totry to keep the team in a game
now- a season where Corey could have the luxury of playing extended bursts of full-turbo-boost and knowing that he could be given a breather by another player who could do an outstanding job of carrying on the battle - that could really allow Corey to be 'showcased'

Great points!

If you had to choose between Sanders staying for his last year, but RU not getting Strickland, how would you lean? I am pondering that.

 

[knights1212]

We have had one or more coaches to see Tai play in Tampa many many times. It is hard to believe that Minnesota didn't even send a coach there at least one time. We have certainly demonstrated how much he means to RU. Hopefully this will help us in his final decision. Coach Pikiell and our entire staff just never quit working.

 

[RUChoppin]

I just see Baker as one of Pikiells main cogs from this past year. I don't think he sees anything less than 25 minutes. If you were to look at any spot that will have the biggest competition for minutes, I think it will be Thiam, Mathis, and Kiss for that third guard/wing role. If Sanders come back, I think Sanders sees about 28 minutes, and Baker around the same.

Style of play next year will see a little bit more high tempo. That will help the guards each get a little bit more time since more breathers may be needed.

Agree that he'd see no less than 25, but I don't think he'd top 30 with that group on the floor.

Given that group, I'd think that Sanders and Baker would chew up at least 55 of the available 120 minutes.... leaving 65 to be split among Mathis, Strickland, Thiam, Kiss, and Harper. Assuming that Strickland would get at least 10 spelling Sanders at the point, and that Mathis would get at least 10 spelling Baker at shooting guard.... that would leave just 5 min at the two primary guard spots, and 40 min at the 3.

Those 5 minutes would be fought for between Strickland, Mathis and Kiss - with Sanders, Baker, Strickland, and Mathis in the backcourt, Kiss might be forced to find his minutes as the 3rd guard only.

That leaves a battle royal for the 40 minutes at the "third guard" spot on the wing. Thiam will almost certainly see his time reduced - probably down to the 20-25 min range. Which would leave 15-20 up for grabs between Mathis, Kiss, and Harper.

It's possible that Thiam sees time at the 4, too, if he continues to improve his post play - which would open up some more time for others on the wing.

This is a GREAT problem to have, though... this past year, it was about how long we could ride our starters because we had no one to back them up.

 

[MadRU]

With the added depth I wonder if coach will go to a more pressing high pressure fast paced game.

 

[bsh75]

If everyone is healthy minutes may be allocated by match ups and who has a hot hand than a hard target on a regular basis.

 

[RUonBrain]

We have had one or more coaches to see Tai play in Tampa many many times. It is hard to believe that Minnesota didn't even send a coach there at least one time. We have certainly demonstrated how much he means to RU. Hopefully this will help us in his final decision. Coach Pikiell and our entire staff just never quit working.

Exactly

If he picks MN, that would seem very fishy.
($)
Especially since MN is nowhere near a blue blood program.

How can a player choose a school who hasn’t even bothered to come watch them in person, let alone watch tape on them?

That would be total BS

 

[MV9000]

Exactly

If he picks MN, that would seem very fishy.
($)
Especially since MN is nowhere near a blue blood program.

How can a player choose a school who hasn’t even bothered to come watch them in person, let alone watch tape on them?

That would be total BS

The kids dad is worth an estimated 32 million. Don’t think he needs financial compensation to make a decision.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Thiam, Harper (to me) are not guards in the equation of a minutes item if Sanders returns....there would be 160 minutes between 4 players, more than enough for Sanders, Strickland, Mathis and Baker.....Thiam and Harper are at the Small Forward spot (As does Kiss IMO as a swing between both).

Someone asked if Sanders departing has an impact and I don't believe so....I do believe (know) there are more moves that should help fill the spots that are going to be there, so Strickland is a key 1st step to making the pieces fit beyond 2018-19.

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Do you think his fathers connection with ron harper and them living in NJ have any play in his decision. Maybe like a home away from home.

Very good point - while we have no idea what has been discussed over the Strickland dinner table - it does seem that (from the various print and video interviews with Rod over the years that can be found on the internet) Rod has a great respect for hard work, loyal friendships, education and responsibility, and a very strong bond with the New York Metro area.

I am sure that Tai has been regaled with storied of various individuals that Rod respects (you know the 'Dad talk' abou what kind of man you should be) - and one likely prominent figure would be Strickland's lifelong friend - Drederick Irving, Kyrie's father (note - Rod Strickland is Kyrie's godfather. - and they have lent their names and support to the " Kyrie Irving Rod Strickland Summer Basketball League" - an endeavor that was found by Rod &has been operating for 20 years)
Drederick, who gave up his own professional basketball career to take care of Kyrie and his sister Asia. When Kyrie was 4 and his sister, Asia, was 5, their mother, Elizabeth, died suddenly, leaving Drederick to care for two confused, heartbroken children.Drederick commuted to Wall Street, where he was a financial broker.
.... also note that Drederick Irving still lives in West Orange, NJ

 

[dkostus]

It's also very likely that over the course of their extremely long careers, Ron Harper and Rod Strickland got to know David Stern pretty well. I know he showed up to a game last season and Pat Hobbs speaks to him regularly. I wouldn't be shocked if they reached out to Stern and he gave them a positive review of his alma mater and the direction of the basketball program and the Athletics Department overall.

 

[RUChoppin]

Thiam, Harper (to me) are not guards in the equation of a minutes item if Sanders returns....there would be 160 minutes between 4 players, more than enough for Sanders, Strickland, Mathis and Baker.....Thiam and Harper are at the Small Forward spot (As does Kiss IMO as a swing between both).

Someone asked if Sanders departing has an impact and I don't believe so....I do believe (know) there are more moves that should help fill the spots that are going to be there, so Strickland is a key 1st step to making the pieces fit beyond 2018-19.

If Sanders returns, there would be just 80 minutes between five players across two guard spots, not 160. That puts a serious crunch on Strickland, Mathis, and Kiss to fight for whatever minutes aren't chewed up between Sanders/Baker.

The likely result is an overflow of a SG to play minutes on the wing, like we had Williams do last year. Thiam and Harper are going to see time at SF, and not at either of the two traditional guard spots... but they'll be competing for those 40 minutes with the overflow of Mathis/Kiss from SG pushing us into three-guard sets.

 

[RUinFla]

Thank you - that is a healthy dose of information.

No doubt that the "Mystery Person" is simply being a good Sarmatian - and looking out for Tai's best interest.
The Strickland family lives in the greater Tampa - Clearwater - St. Pete area - - - and as I recall, that region is thick with transplants from the northern mid-west - all quite knowledgeable about and willing to share the terrifying tales of the perils of Minnesota.

These helpful escapees from the northern mid-west will readily share the Minnesota truths - like:
... the Real 4 seasons of Minnesota - Blizzard, Mud, Road-Repair & Mosquito
... the average Minnesota Mosquito is the size of a Blue Jay & a larger one can carry off a small child
... In Minnesota they serve Lutefisk with EVERYTHING - and one encounter with that stuff & you will smell it for months! Lutefisk on Pizza?? - on Corn Flakes ??
Seriously - Tai needs to be protected from this kind of traumatizing experience.

...

To be fair. Rumba--had a 3-year old cousin that was carried off by a Jersey mosquito, though the mosquito had to drop him after a few feet. And my 6 years in New Brunswick--two at NBHS and four at RU were memorable for bone chilling damp cold in winter and stifling, humid, smog-ridden summers. Which is why I spent 8 weeks each summer as a counselor at a summer camp in the Poconos.
TL

 

[batts]

Exactly

If he picks MN, that would seem very fishy.
($)
Especially since MN is nowhere near a blue blood program.

How can a player choose a school who hasn’t even bothered to come watch them in person, let alone watch tape on them?

That would be total BS

Last year SHU was one of the favorites to land p.g. Isiah Washington. Out of the blue, IW takes a visit to Minnesota which wasn't actively recruiting him. Boom, IW commits to Minny to the shock of his fiends and AAU coaches. Beware of Petino, he learned the game from his corrupt father.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

If Sanders returns, there would be just 80 minutes between five players across two guard spots, not 160. That puts a serious crunch on Strickland, Mathis, and Kiss to fight for whatever minutes aren't chewed up between Sanders/Baker.

The likely result is an overflow of a SG to play minutes on the wing, like we had Williams do last year. Thiam and Harper are going to see time at SF, and not at either of the two traditional guard spots... but they'll be competing for those 40 minutes with the overflow of Mathis/Kiss from SG pushing us into three-guard sets.

I really see Issa playing some minutes as the 4th perimeter player, ESPECIALLY OOC. Last year it wasn't an option with our lack of depth.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Last year SHU was one of the favorites to land p.g. Isiah Washington. Out of the blue, IW takes a visit to Minnesota which wasn't actively recruiting him. Boom, IW commits to Minny to the shock of his fiends and AAU coaches. Beware of Petino, he learned the game from his corrupt father.

Isn't Washington the guy who takes over for Mason. I find it interesting that Strickland would consider Minnesota.

 

[RUChoppin]

I really see Issa playing some minutes as the 4th perimeter player, ESPECIALLY OOC. Last year it wasn't an option with our lack of depth.

I've thought about this more since you said it, and I can definitely see it. It would give us something of a "stretch four" concept on offense, and be a different look defenses would have to deal with. It would also open up the paint more for penetration with four players on the perimeter.

Defensively, he'd have a harder time because he's so slight - but he has a center's height, too, which could help compensate for that. If he could somehow get 200+ lbs on his frame, that'd be a big help.

 

[dvb91]

Sure.

Based on a conversation I had, on Friday I think, it sounded like Minny might be headed in another direction and might cancel the visit.

My source in MN told me that's not the case.

Three different sources told me that the Gophers were trying to get game video on Strickland, but were not having any success. One source actually told me that Minny felt like someone in FL, he did not give me a name or even a hint, may be working against them.

The consensus of my three sources is that Minny wants Strickland but they wanted game video because they haven't seen him play in a game. The game video request got twisted into something that it wasn't, perhaps, by the mystery person who might not be pro Minny.

I thought that I posted an update Saturday after my source in MN got back to me. Had a pretty full Saturday and evidently forgot.

Minny did offer Trey McGowens but it appears he is going to stay in the 2019 class and not reclass into 2018.

Just gotta say, Russ is the Man!!! I really appreciate his insights and hope he is a more than regular visitor in the future. I'm sure he frequents a lot of other boards but him being around on this board is a good sign for our program's trajectory.

Find it rather odd that Minny is a bit behind the 8-ball when it comes to scouting Tai. One would think they at least had film if he's scheduled for an official visit. Maybe they've seen highlights, but not full game, unedited film? I guess in such a case, maybe official sign-off's or releases from the schools involved would be necessary?

That they haven't watched in person must also weigh against them. But maybe that's as much due to circumstances, like Tai being a late signing period recruit vs being targeted for the early signing period.

 

[ScarletKid2008]

Sure.

Based on a conversation I had, on Friday I think, it sounded like Minny might be headed in another direction and might cancel the visit.

My source in MN told me that's not the case.

Three different sources told me that the Gophers were trying to get game video on Strickland, but were not having any success. One source actually told me that Minny felt like someone in FL, he did not give me a name or even a hint, may be working against them.

The consensus of my three sources is that Minny wants Strickland but they wanted game video because they haven't seen him play in a game. The game video request got twisted into something that it wasn't, perhaps, by the mystery person who might not be pro Minny.

I thought that I posted an update Saturday after my source in MN got back to me. Had a pretty full Saturday and evidently forgot.

Minny did offer Trey McGowens but it appears he is going to stay in the 2019 class and not reclass into 2018.

Why is Tai visiting Minn when they never even went to visit him or see him play?!

Something doesn't smell right about that ... especially if he lands there.

 

[batts]

Isn't Washington the guy who takes over for Mason. I find it interesting that Strickland would consider Minnesota.

It seems that IW ended up in Petino's doghouse at the end of the year. His minutes declined significantly during the course of the season.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I've thought about this more since you said it, and I can definitely see it. It would give us something of a "stretch four" concept on offense, and be a different look defenses would have to deal with. It would also open up the paint more for penetration with four players on the perimeter.

Defensively, he'd have a harder time because he's so slight - but he has a center's height, too, which could help compensate for that. If he could somehow get 200+ lbs on his frame, that'd be a big help.

I just looked at the top 7 B1G from last year and their "4" and who guards them better
Jackson/Bridges---Issa
Wagner---?, prob Issa
Diop----Issa
V Edwards----Issa
Stevens-----Issa
Huerter----Issa
Roby----Eugene

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am trying to trust NJH here.....but when a guy has trouble getting PT in the Final 4 game at the JUCO level i have a tough time slotting him in for 25 minutes. Again i hope he had an injury.

I am thinking.....
strickland 24 baker 16
baker 16 mathis 24
issa 10 kiss 20 harper 10
gene 26 issa 14
carter/duke/johnson/doorson 40

 

[AshCatchEm]

So Minnesota has essentially invested little to no time in recruiting Strickland? Never even seen him play live?

At least we can't say we got outworked here.

This is why I'm not worried about them..only Wisconsin. When it comes down to it, strickland will think "hmm how many games did pikiell personally come to. And how many games did Minnesota coaches come to."

Anyone know how many games pikiell attended.

 

[AshCatchEm]

I am trying to trust NJH here.....but when a guy has trouble getting PT in the Final 4 game at the JUCO level i have a tough time slotting him in for 25 minutes. Again i hope he had an injury.

I am thinking.....
strickland 24 baker 16
baker 16 mathis 24
issa 10 kiss 20 harper 10
gene 26 issa 14
carter/duke/johnson/doorson 40

Yet you have no trouble slotting in BOTH strickland and Mathis to get 24 minutes, same as thiam who will now be a junior..

How do you not even list Carter at PF? You really think those four are gonna get 40 minutes combined? Would love to see the breakdown on that

Plus..we're gonna get a grad transfer (most likely, or another recruit). Both Bullock and souf are leaving. You accounted for strickland's scholarship but not the other.

 

[higgins3]

Issa's biggest advantage going forward is in the right matchups. He can really shine there.

 

[Russ Wood]

Why is Tai visiting Minn when they never even went to visit him or see him play?!

Something doesn't smell right about that ... especially if he lands there.

Minny came down to Florida to see him but it was during a practice or workout.

They saw enough that they liked so they offered him. They just haven't seen him in person in a game is my understanding.

For whatever reason St Petersburg High School does not have anyone who stats their games. I found that out the hard way myself LOL

I don't know if they have anyone that records video of their games. They probably do most schools do I just cannot say yes or no with 100% certainty.

 

[RUChoppin]

I just looked at the top 7 B1G from last year and their "4" and who guards them better
Jackson/Bridges---Issa
Wagner---?, prob Issa
Diop----Issa
V Edwards----Issa
Stevens-----Issa
Huerter----Issa
Roby----Eugene

Big question is how good a defender will Carter be at 6-9, 240. He's got the weight of Omoruyi, but the height of Thiam.

Omoruyi's challenge is being 6-6/6-7 as an undersized PF - he's got the muscle/bulk, but he's just not that tall to defend well against taller post players. Thiam's challenge is his weight - he's got the height, but he's wispy thin and can't bang bodies as well to box out for rebounds or hold his ground when getting backed down.

No idea what Carter will bring defensively - but he is that happy medium of height/bulk. Doucoure also fits more of that typical PF frame at 6-9/243. Of course, both of them might see more time at center than PF.

At 200-210, Thiam would be a great size for a stretch four.

 

[TDIrish27]

Don't underrate Minny as a place-----really a gorgeous city with a terrific downtown area and a very hip culture for young people. If you think it's Hicksville you haven't been there.

The downside for them is it's a tough winter .

Madison is as nice a campus as there is anywhere IMO and it's a great little city though much smaller than Minny.

Ton of students from NY and NJ area--------great university

But like Minny-----tough winter.

Hopeful on the kid

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Recruiting is based on how the player ultimately (appears to) fit into the way you have to play or match up.

In 20 B1G games, plus B1G tourney games, plus Seton Hall, Georgetown/Providence, an ACC matchup (maybe Georgia Tech, Boston College, Pittsburgh, I can't see how Strickland/Carter and another addition, aren't challenging for minutes or playing key roles. We played shorthanded for a good portion of this past season with Williams out, Eugene out, Baker out or essentially wiped out for 3-4 games late in season and ultimately no production on either end of the court from Mensah, Dadika, Bullock.

Someone is going to pick up Freeman's minutes on the floor, I don't see how Carter doesn't match Freeman defensively. Can Carter get the garbage points in transition or follow ups or stop the teams 4th or 5th options from scoring against RU, is where I see the value.

Most teams lean on their guards and forwards to score, but teams looked at Doucoure being green and took advantage by shooting over Freeman in low post/baseline.....Carter played 20-24 minutes most nights based on stat line, that's where I have him at RU....I don't see him as a go to offensive player, we should have more options to score this coming season.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Recruiting is based on how the player ultimately (appears to) fit into the way you have to play or match up.

In 20 B1G games, plus B1G tourney games, plus Seton Hall, Georgetown/Providence, an ACC matchup (maybe Georgia Tech, Boston College, Pittsburgh, I can't see how Strickland/Carter and another addition, aren't challenging for minutes or playing key roles. We played shorthanded for a good portion of this past season with Williams out, Eugene out, Baker out or essentially wiped out for 3-4 games late in season and ultimately no production on either end of the court from Mensah, Dadika, Bullock.

Someone is going to pick up Freeman's minutes on the floor, I don't see how Carter doesn't match Freeman defensively. Can Carter get the garbage points in transition or follow ups or stop the teams 4th or 5th options from scoring against RU, is where I see the value.

Most teams lean on their guards and forwards to score, but teams looked at Doucoure being green and took advantage by shooting over Freeman in low post/baseline.....Carter played 20-24 minutes most nights based on stat line, that's where I have him at RU....I don't see him as a go to offensive player, we should have more options to score this coming season.

How often do you see 2 of these 4 on the floor at the same time....carter, duke, johnson, shaq?

 

[AshCatchEm]

How often do you see 2 of these 4 on the floor at the same time....carter, duke, johnson, shaq?

I mean..if Duke takes the same step forward eugene did and Carter takes to Jay young right away, who knows what could happen and who is capable at filling in at the 4. Also, you don't know what you have in Johnson yet or how he plays..from all accounts he's an offensive presence in practice. As for doorson, for now, I still assume he will be here. If we land strickland and another recruit...who knows. Maybe the staff finds a grad transfer that they'd rather use doorsons scholarship on. We gave him four years. We aren't obligated to give more

 

[RUChoppin]

How often do you see 2 of these 4 on the floor at the same time....carter, duke, johnson, shaq?

I'd say about 13-15 min per game.

Right now, we have just one PF player returning in Omoruyi - and he's 6-7/234, per sk.com. My guess is that he'll see about 25 min per game. Who's getting the other 15 min at PF? I know we've mentioned Thiam, but I think the intention is for Carter to see most of that time - though Doucoure could slot in there, too.

With Omoruyi off the floor for 15 min (or so) per game, that leaves the four you mentioned and Thiam (and Harper?) to take up those 15 min at the 4/5 spots.

We have
3/4 - Thiam (6-10/190), Harper (6-6/220)
4 - Omoruyi (6-7/234)
4/5 - Doucoure (6-9/243), Carter (6-9/240)
5 - Doorson (7-0/275), Johnson (6-10/264)

 

[koleszar]

Three different sources told me that the Gophers were trying to get game video on Strickland, but were not having any success. One source actually told me that Minny felt like someone in FL, he did not give me a name or even a hint, may be working against them.

The consensus of my three sources is that Minny wants Strickland but they wanted game video because they haven't seen him play in a game. The game video request got twisted into something that it wasn't, perhaps, by the mystery person who might not be pro Minny.

Nice. Mama got hold of the game tapes:smiley:

 

[Dpgru]

Russ, can we assume that Strickland will let the coaches know his decision so they can adjust their recruiting plans accordingly even though he may not make his decision/commitment public until the signing deadline on the 11th. It seems to ke that if he waits until the signing period to let the coaches know he is really creating some problems for the staffs that are involved.

 

[Russ Wood]

I just looked at the top 7 B1G from last year and their "4" and who guards them better
Jackson/Bridges---Issa
Wagner---?, prob Issa
Diop----Issa
V Edwards----Issa
Stevens-----Issa
Huerter----Issa
Roby----Eugene

Huerter is only a 4-man if Maryland goes to a small lineup. He is a natural wing