RE: Men's Basketball Recruiting: 2020
OK, let's get this out of the way so the naysayers can pick at the scabs:
Jones was on a Zoom call last week with some ODAF members. Some of these are my OPINIONS:
1. They are done with recruiting for this year, unless someone falls into their lap. He said the focus is on 2021 and they are involved with a lot of players. First time in his life he has ever offered a scholarship to a kid with being there in person, but he has watched as much film as he can possibly get his hands on on everyone they are involved with, probably more than the norm. He also has spent more time on the phone with recruits than usual, forging better, deeper relationships than the norm.
2. From what he's heard, Ezipke and Reece worked out together in ATL for part of the time. Ezipke appears to have matured and come to realize that he has the ability to be all-CUSA and has set himself to doing that. Reece is tremendously talented and will be better this year, but Zip can take them over the top (my words)
3. 4 or 5 guys spent lots of time on campus, including the D-2 transfer who went to Jones and asked if there wasn't some way they could get MORE time in the gym. The coaches made it happen, within NCAA constraints
4. While it took Curry a while to acclimate last year, now that he has he is determined to be an elite player in CUSA and has worked his ass off this summer. Tremendous dedication. Among the others, X is busting ass, too. Not happy with the way last season went for him. I honestly can't remember the other kids who have been around this summer
5. Covensky (?) and JJ give virtual tours of the campus to recruits and the recruits seem very impressed and like the setup. Covensky drives the golf cart and handles the I-pad while JJ talks about what they are seeing. Oddity: They can show the outside of the Ted but not the inside. Makes no sense to me.
6. They have $60,000 reserved for a trip next summer to Yugoslavia, but aren't going to take that trip. Instead they'll continue to play as many in-state games as possible and play the Arkansas/Syracuse type game once a year. Tells me money is tight. Not a surprise.
I guess that's. This is the second time I've had contact with Jones. I don't think he's sitting at home counting his money. FWIW, he thinks they're going to be good to very good this year, but every fan knows they all say that. He did say that the troubles of last season brought everyone much closer together, a feeling that will carry over to this season. Paraphrase: "These guys know we're not the enemy and that all we want is for what's best for them. There's a tremendous, true sense of love between the coaches and players." And, yes, love is the word he used.
Oh, the annual 12-22 game will be against either CNU or VA Wesleyan. It's a win and it doesn't hurt the NET like playing an MEAC-type team does.
(This post was last modified: 07-28-2020 03:39 PM by bench jockey.)
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Men's Basketball Recruiting: 2020
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