With Drew Powder coming in we have one spot left

I’d like another big myself...

(05-26-2020 07:43 PM)holybovine Wrote:  I’d like another big myself...

Here is the list of available (uncommitted transfers) - immediately eligible and those who need to sit a year.

There are a LOT of players out there looking for new homes.

One can click on 'new school' and see the players whose new school is blank.

It is getting late for both players and schools. In normal times, players would be moving in within what the next 3 or 4 weeks.

http://verbalcommits.com/transfers/2020?division=D1

(06-04-2020 06:42 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-26-2020 07:43 PM)holybovine Wrote:  I’d like another big myself...

Here is the list of available (uncommitted transfers) - immediately eligible and those who need to sit a year.

There are a LOT of players out there looking for new homes.

One can click on 'new school' and see the players whose new school is blank.

It is getting late for both players and schools. In normal times, players would be moving in within what the next 3 or 4 weeks.

http://verbalcommits.com/transfers/2020?division=D1

Some Centers of interest:
-Mike Peake (Frosh; not immediately eligible)

https://georgiadogs.com/sports/mens-bask...peake/4451

That’s it. It’s pretty slim pickings; I don’t think any of the other Centers in the database are worth a scholarship.

If I’m being honest, I’d take King back, although that is highly doubtful.

Next up, possible PFs...

PFs
-Max Curran (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://umbcretrievers.com/sports/mbkb/2...eer&pos=sh

-Lorenzo Edwards (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://sjuhawks.com/sports/mens-basketb...wards/3588

-Tim Fuller (RS Frosh; not immediately eligible)
https://weberstatesports.com/sports/mens...uller/5137

-Makhtar Gueye (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://uabsports.com/sports/mens-basket...gueye/7560

-Adrease Jackson (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket...se-jackson

-Kristian Lafayette (Jr; not immediately eligible, but from Detroit)
https://ragincajuns.com/sports/mens-bask...yette/6952

-Josh Linder (Sr; possibly eligible)
https://georgiastatesports.com/sports/me...inder/3140

-Justyn Mutts (Jr; immediately eligible with 2 years to play)
https://bluehens.com/sports/mens-basketb...utts/18027

-David Nzekwesi (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://denverpioneers.com/sports/mens-b...kwesi/2780

-Antoine Smith Jr. (So; not immediately eligible)
https://uiwcardinals.com/sports/mens-bas...h-jr-/7971

-Taurean Thompson (Jr; immediately eligible with 2 years remaining)
https://shupirates.com/sports/mens-baske...mpson/2837

-Ben Uloko (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://hbuhuskies.com/sports/mens-baske...uloko/4216

Lots of names here, but I think the prizes are Edwards, Mutts, and Thompson.

Gueye and Thompson are perfect for the 2-3 zone. Thompson looks like a DaShonte Riley clone.

I can’t wait to see how this plays out. The last scholarship allocation will tell us a lot about 20-21.

EDITED to reflect updates in list.

(06-04-2020 11:40 PM)holybovine Wrote:  PFs
-Andre Adams (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://suutbirds.com/sports/mens-basket...adams/6948

-Sy Chatman (So; not immediately eligible; from Minnesota so might be able to get waiver)
https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-b...tman/10561

-Max Curran (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://umbcretrievers.com/sports/mbkb/2...eer&pos=sh

-Lorenzo Edwards (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://sjuhawks.com/sports/mens-basketb...wards/3588

-Tim Fuller (RS Frosh; not immediately eligible)
https://weberstatesports.com/sports/mens...uller/5137

-Makhtar Gueye (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://uabsports.com/sports/mens-basket...gueye/7560

-Mike Henn (Sr; immediately eligible)
https://cbulancers.com/sports/mens-baske...-henn/6148

-Adrease Jackson (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket...se-jackson

-Kristian Lafayette (Jr; not immediately eligible, but from Detroit)
https://ragincajuns.com/sports/mens-bask...yette/6952

-Josh Linder (Sr; possibly eligible)
https://georgiastatesports.com/sports/me...inder/3140

-Justyn Mutts (Jr; immediately eligible with 2 years to play)
https://bluehens.com/sports/mens-basketb...utts/18027

-David Nzekwesi (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://denverpioneers.com/sports/mens-b...kwesi/2780

-Antoine Smith Jr. (So; not immediately eligible)
https://uiwcardinals.com/sports/mens-bas...h-jr-/7971

-Taurean Thompson (Jr; immediately eligible with 2 years remaining)
https://shupirates.com/sports/mens-baske...mpson/2837

-Ben Uloko (Jr; not immediately eligible)
https://hbuhuskies.com/sports/mens-baske...uloko/4216

Lots of names here, but I think the prizes are Adams, Edwards, Mutts, and Thompson.

Gueye and Thompson are perfect for the 2-3 zone. Thompson looks like a DaShonte Riley clone.

I can’t wait to see how this plays out. The last scholarship allocation will tell us a lot about 20-21.

Excellent. Much appreciated.

Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

Andre Adams to Boston College.

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

(06-05-2020 06:03 PM)emu steve Wrote:  Andre Adams to Boston College.

Damn. Good for them/him.

Adding another possibility since we didn't get a wing

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/arecko-gipson-jr

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

(06-07-2020 11:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

Agree. It is pretty sad looking at the chart at the bottom of the Verbal Commits page (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/eastern-michigan) and seeing that after this year, we only have 2 PF. Both 6-8 and 1 being a walk-on and 0 Centers. 0 that we have shown interest in also.

(06-07-2020 11:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

I don’t disagree, but I don’t think that will be Murphy’s approach in his make or break year. Center is a weakness, and I think he’ll get someone in here who can play.

(06-07-2020 01:41 PM)mpleafan Wrote:  

(06-07-2020 11:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

Agree. It is pretty sad looking at the chart at the bottom of the Verbal Commits page (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/eastern-michigan) and seeing that after this year, we only have 2 PF. Both 6-8 and 1 being a walk-on and 0 Centers. 0 that we have shown interest in also.

The one (or two) things I've learned in life is:

1). Don't try to guess the stock market. It can be weird.

2). Don't try to guess what Murphy will do in recruiting.

I've seen both #1 and #2 confuse and confound me more times than I can count.

(06-07-2020 01:41 PM)mpleafan Wrote:  

(06-07-2020 11:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

Agree. It is pretty sad looking at the chart at the bottom of the Verbal Commits page (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/eastern-michigan) and seeing that after this year, we only have 2 PF. Both 6-8 and 1 being a walk-on and 0 Centers. 0 that we have shown interest in also.

There's the rub even if Murphy wins enough 2021-2022 it's a total rebuild

(06-07-2020 04:09 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-07-2020 01:41 PM)mpleafan Wrote:  

(06-07-2020 11:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 06:21 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(06-05-2020 11:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Here are some other names to add to your list:

Kenechukwu Chuckwuka Pitt
Michael Cage Jr.
EJ Datcher Miss St.
Jonas Aidoo North Carolina Prep school and a guy I really like us to get and maybe redshirt has offers from High Point and Appy St
Chukwoebuka Nawfor Middle Georgia Prep

I saw Cage and Datcher, but didn’t think they were worth offering. Cage wasn’t good enough to play at Pepperdine. Not familiar with the rest.

Essentially we are looking at a back up to replace King at this point in time. That's why I would prefer to get a young non grad transfer in here and redshirt them. We got guys this year that can rotate at center.

Agree. It is pretty sad looking at the chart at the bottom of the Verbal Commits page (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/eastern-michigan) and seeing that after this year, we only have 2 PF. Both 6-8 and 1 being a walk-on and 0 Centers. 0 that we have shown interest in also.

There's the rub even if Murphy wins enough 2021-2022 it's a total rebuild

Agreed.

BUT! It may not be as bad as it seems.

20-21 would have the following returning players:
PG - Bryce McBride
PG - Drew Lowder
SG - Chris James
SG/SF - Shamar Dillard
SF/PF - Miles Gibson
PF/C - Luis Pacheco
C - James Love III

That’s not a bad core of seven returning guys, with at least one at each position group. If Murphy has a big year and keeps his job, he’ll be able to make six new additions, which is seemingly what he does each offseason anyway. If it’s a new coach, he’ll have much needed scholarship flexibility to build the team the way he wants. A new coach’s challenge would be to keep as many of the guys listed above as possible.

Let's face it Murphy has pretty much always had a dominant big man in his tenure, Riley, Thompson and Toure. Then please consider the results of such. Not very impressive.

The sport has changed, big centers like Alcindor, Walton, Olajuwon, Ewing and such are no longer required to win a national championship. Murph has not changed his approach during this period but I suspect the lack of a true big man might inspire him to do so. He will play the zone, I am sure of that, but does a 2-3 zone truly require a 6'10" individual to play the center of the zone? Due to the lack of individual block out responsibilities of the zone, EMU perennially leads the MAC in allowing offensive rebounds. Today's game is focused on the three point shot thus rebounds are collected further from the basket due to the length of the shot. Could we be better off with a more agile yet shorter baseline of defense?

I can’t imagine we have an overhaul of the scheme in a make-or-break year. The zone works, and it works well. We routinely are near the top of the conference in points allowed, opposing FG%, and steals. We give up a lot of offensive rebounds, which is a problem, but is also a byproduct of forcing long, inefficient shots.

Murphy’s lack of sustained success is almost entirely due to poor offensive gameplay and virtually no consistency on that end. If it wasn’t for the zone, he would’ve been fired a long time ago. We can debate whether that would’ve been a good or bad thing for the program. It’s a shame he never gave complete control of the offense to an assistant.

(06-07-2020 06:12 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  Let's face it Murphy has pretty much always had a dominant big man in his tenure, Riley, Thompson and Toure. Then please consider the results of such. Not very impressive.

The sport has changed, big centers like Alcindor, Walton, Olajuwon, Ewing and such are no longer required to win a national championship. Murph has not changed his approach during this period but I suspect the lack of a true big man might inspire him to do so. He will play the zone, I am sure of that, but does a 2-3 zone truly require a 6'10" individual to play the center of the zone? Due to the lack of individual block out responsibilities of the zone, EMU perennially leads the MAC in allowing offensive rebounds. Today's game is focused on the three point shot thus rebounds are collected further from the basket due to the length of the shot. Could we be better off with a more agile yet shorter baseline of defense?

Good thoughts.

Big men on the wings are for closeout against the other team's shooter. So big men at '3' and '4' make sense.

The problem with the zone as I understand it, is that when an opposing '3' or '4' is taking a shot the ONE defender who is closing out against that shooter is essentially out of place for the rebound - he is running away from the basket toward the corner.

That, to me, seems to be 4 against 5 on the defensive rebound. So that will lead to a marginal increase in offensive rebounds by the offensive team.

As we know, also, because of how the zone works we get more steals when smaller, quicker players (Jerry we are thinking Tim Bond, right?) can disrupt passing lanes.

Can we re-enroll Tim Bond, rename him say "James Bond" and let him play a few more years?

All of that said, maybe smaller, quicker 3s (Bond) and 4s might work better and those quicker players could do run out IF they can defensively stop the other team's shooters (keep the FG percentage down).