http://verbalcommits.com/players/rafael-cruz-jr
Triton has been on a roll lately. Some decent D1 guys with relatively young coach.
This was an undervalued position of need. Flowers can move to SG and WMU can develop depth with younger kids. Printy will still see minutes but WMU won’t be held captive by his potential shooting. I assume this is a defensive upgrade from Richard and Printy. If Martin stays WMU won’t have to choose his D over O. To play he has to provide both.
Same HS as a kid WMU sought desperately 6-8 yrs ago. Kid played at Mott for Steve Schmitt who was angling for the CMU gig before Ernie.
Player went to OSU played first year doing well but got hurt and in 2nd year never got his minutes back.
Also Von Stueben is on north side adjacent to North Park College (2x NCAA Div 3 natl champ in mid 70’s) and not far from Mather HS where Heffernan coached.
Cruz would be same age as Wilkins & their high schools are only 9 miles apart
(05-03-2019 07:12 PM)okgc Wrote: [ -> ]Cruz would be same age as Wilkins & their high schools are only 9 miles apart
It’s a big city that toddling town. Not sure if they know one another but yes it keeps classes more balanced
(05-03-2019 06:49 PM)gobaseline Wrote: [ -> ]Same HS as a kid WMU sought desperately 6-8 yrs ago. Kid played at Mott for Steve Schmitt who was angling for the CMU gig before Ernie.
Player went to OSU played first year doing well but got hurt and in 2nd year never got his minutes back.
Jeremie Simmons
(05-03-2019 07:25 PM)ess Wrote: [ -> ] (05-03-2019 06:49 PM)gobaseline Wrote: [ -> ]Same HS as a kid WMU sought desperately 6-8 yrs ago. Kid played at Mott for Steve Schmitt who was angling for the CMU gig before Ernie.
Player went to OSU played first year doing well but got hurt and in 2nd year never got his minutes back.
Jeremie Simmons
Yes.
(05-03-2019 06:54 PM)gobaseline Wrote: [ -> ]Also Von Stueben is on north side adjacent to North Park College (2x NCAA Div 3 natl champ in mid 70’s) and not far from Mather HS where Heffernan coached.
true, but von steuban has always been kind of a magnet school for smart public school kids from other neighborhoods in the city. not as prestigious as whitney young, but kids from all over the north and west side try to go there.
Unaware of that. Do know that NP does a lot of work w/ VS as campuses butt up and share that the north branch of the Chicago river runs through each. Abandoned Rusting cars and discarded tires included.
For what it’s worth, I did a bit of quick research on Cruz’s stats at Triton CC. Really took off over his last 13 games of the season averaging 19 a game including 43% 3-point shooting 39 for 91). Hopefully it translates and continues at the next level. I hope he’s a legit 6’3” as listed.
(05-04-2019 09:28 AM)Broncos83 Wrote: [ -> ]For what it’s worth, I did a bit of quick research on Cruz’s stats at Joliet JC. Really took off over his last 13 games of the season averaging 19 a game including 43% 3-point shooting 39 for 91). Hopefully it translates and continues at the next level. I hope he’s a legit 6’3” as listed.
Triton CC not Blues (Brother’s) U.
That said. I think the net plus with Cruz is he’s coming from a winning program. His responsibility was to get others involved along with then adjusting to where he had to finish. And he defends.
A jr. physically and psychologically. Not overwhelmed and game ready.
Allows Flowers to slide to SG. Improves perimeter D, eats minutes all allowing one or two of the underclassman to develop w/o imploding.
Roll Martin’s D and athleticism into Richard’s spot up shooting and calm demeanor to Houston’s swagger and playmaking mentality you’ve got quite a player. The problem is that’s not possible. What is possible is it Martin improves his ability to score, Richard picks up half a step in quickness and or Houston develops the ability to finish. This all excludes White who at 160 lbs is a freshman who will be chewed up and spit out by Buffalo and BG. But in time he too will develop.
That’s what Cruz offers. Not a fill in the gap but the ability to help create quality depth.
Oops. My bad. Changed it...thanks for the correction.
By the way, regarding Cruz, assuming he’s coming in as a junior, what’s up with his freshmen year? I don’t see that he was on the team at Triton for ‘17-‘18. Trying to figure out when/where he used his freshmen year of eligibility? Must be missing something.
(05-04-2019 11:15 AM)Broncos83 Wrote: [ -> ]By the way, regarding Cruz, assuming he’s coming in as a junior, what’s up with his freshmen year? I don’t see that he was on the team at Triton for ‘17-‘18. Trying to figure out when/where he used his freshmen year of eligibility? Must be missing something.
I simply assumed he was finishing his second year. I could be wrong. If it was his freshman year that’s all the better.
He was listed as a sophomore on Triton’s roster this past season. I found the press release when they signed him. The release references 6 incoming freshmen and 2 incoming transfers (including Cruz) with no reference to where he transferred from or where he may have played. Maybe our Bronco press release will clear things up...if we ever get one.
(05-04-2019 11:15 AM)Broncos83 Wrote: [ -> ]By the way, regarding Cruz, assuming he’s coming in as a junior, what’s up with his freshmen year? I don’t see that he was on the team at Triton for ‘17-‘18. Trying to figure out when/where he used his freshmen year of eligibility? Must be missing something.
Lewis & Clark Community College