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Beating out VCU for two recruits in one class is always sweet. These classes could be special, over the next few years.

It sounds like we also bested Empty Sue for Mr. Kalu.

I like this guy a lot and hope that he holds firm with his commitment.

From reading up on him, and taking into account his size (6'-7" and 215-220 lbs.), he seems like a hybrid of both Denzel and Brandan, but one that can make shots from outside. Don't know what his percentage would be from the 3 point line though, but articles I read indicated that he did show range out to behind the line. Apparently he is at least a decent foul shooter also as he knocked in a couple important ones with under 5 seconds to go in the high school playoffs last season.

Every article I have seen lists him as a power forward. The only concern that I have with the recruiting class thus far is the lack of a center among the recruits. I like the people that he has gotten commitments from though.

http://gwinnettsportscommission.com/play...=hootsuite

http://www.hoopseen.com/news/player/2017...alu-ezikpe

http://www.hoopseen.com/news/event/20170...-super-six

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/...s-progress

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/...stands-out

Welcome aboard Mr. Ezikbe! Looking forward to watching all the new recruits at ODU!

Awesome recruit. Was recruited by decent programs, rated pretty highly, and fills a need. Baze told him to do the right thing ! The 2018 group is probably one of the best in the last 5/6 years.

Nice. Staff is getting it done.

(10-29-2017 02:05 PM)AdoptedMonarch Wrote:  It sounds like we also bested Empty Sue for Mr. Kalu.

So maybe we can finally beat them.

Hope there are at least a couple gems from this class. Seems like we got some guys with good interest.

(10-29-2017 02:54 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  Every article I have seen lists him as a power forward. The only concern that I have with the recruiting class thus far is the lack of a center among the recruits.

In talking coach Stith Friday - he stated true centers aren’t available in recruiting out of high school . Even ones in our back yard go to Kansas. Our best route is Juco or transfer bigs like Porter. They were anxious for this commitment .

Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

(10-29-2017 07:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

That totally depends on the offense you run. So coaches want that true back to the basket post up Center.

(10-29-2017 07:49 PM)Mr.BigBlue Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 07:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

That totally depends on the offense you run. So coaches want that true back to the basket post up Center.

The ones that want a post up center are typically old school and don't realize posting up is less efficient.

(10-29-2017 07:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

Other than a center, what other positions does a team not need to to have on it in your world to play positionless basketball? You realize we aren't talking about games down at the YMCA right?

(10-29-2017 07:25 PM)Obiwan Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 02:54 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  Every article I have seen lists him as a power forward. The only concern that I have with the recruiting class thus far is the lack of a center among the recruits.

In talking coach Stith Friday - he stated true centers aren’t available in recruiting out of high school . Even ones in our back yard go to Kansas. Our best route is Juco or transfer bigs like Porter. They were anxious for this commitment .

Why would a perennial Top 10 team like Kansas want a true center?

Seriously though, it at least sounds like they (coaches Stith & Jones) have a plan via the Juco or transfer route to secure one for ODU.

(10-29-2017 10:15 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 07:25 PM)Obiwan Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 02:54 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  Every article I have seen lists him as a power forward. The only concern that I have with the recruiting class thus far is the lack of a center among the recruits.

In talking coach Stith Friday - he stated true centers aren’t available in recruiting out of high school . Even ones in our back yard go to Kansas. Our best route is Juco or transfer bigs like Porter. They were anxious for this commitment .

Why would a perennial Top 10 team like Kansas want a true center?

Seriously though, it at least sounds like they (coaches Stith & Jones) have a plan via the Juco or transfer route to secure one for ODU.

Kansas’ true center averaged 12.9 mpg last year

(10-29-2017 10:08 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 07:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

Other than a center, what other positions does a team not need to to have on it in your world to play positionless basketball? You realize we aren't talking about games down at the YMCA right?

Uhh positionless would imply no traditinal 1-5 positions..... it is how a lot of teams are moving once they realize teams abuse true centeds of the past. They need someone that can bring ball up court and a couple guys that can rebound.

Our two “frontcourt” players this year will be 6-7 and 6-5 at times.

(10-29-2017 10:52 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 10:08 PM)ODU BBALL Wrote:  

(10-29-2017 07:28 PM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Basketball is virtually positionless. NO need for a “true center”.

Other than a center, what other positions does a team not need to to have on it in your world to play positionless basketball? You realize we aren't talking about games down at the YMCA right?

Uhh positionless would imply no traditinal 1-5 positions..... it is how a lot of teams are moving once they realize teams abuse true centeds of the past. They need someone that can bring ball up court and a couple guys that can rebound.

Our two “frontcourt” players this year will be 6-7 and 6-5 at times.

Yes and we will be woefully undersized. I would also say that the PG (1) is a true defined position. The Center position does have a variance depending on the offense you run. True Centers (5) are back to the basket entry pass receiver, that can rebound, defend around the basket to the foul line, and can score in the paint are what several programs want.

Alex L and Gerald L weren't true centers and they worked out fine.

Serious question: is this sudden uptick in recruiting due to having a practice facility?

(10-30-2017 06:39 AM)odu09 Wrote:  Serious question: is this sudden uptick in recruiting due to having a practice facility?

Good question ! I would say it helped. But I also think available PT also played a role.