NIU Basketball announcing them one at a time. I will add as they go.

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...97538?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...43713?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...72288?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...13665?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...92224?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...19110?s=21

https://twitter.com/gohuskiesmbb/status/...32070?s=21

Full release:

https://niuhuskies.com/news/2021/5/19/me...class.aspx

I take it there were no surprises?

I don't recognize hearing about Darweshi Hunter before. Maybe a walk-on?

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(05-19-2021 04:30 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  I take it there were no surprises?

I don't recognize hearing about Darweshi Hunter before. Maybe a walk-on?

They are still posting, although, at seven, that might be it.

Are we ever going to get assistant coaches?

Just a note to salute Big Red who has had info on all of these guys. Realize this makes things official, but I'm still thanking Big Red for all his hard work.

(05-19-2021 04:38 PM)uiniu57 Wrote:  Just a note to salute Big Red who has had info on all of these guys. Realize this makes things official, but I'm still thanking Big Red for all his hard work.

Ditto

(05-19-2021 04:38 PM)uiniu57 Wrote:  Just a note to salute Big Red who has had info on all of these guys. Realize this makes things official, but I'm still thanking Big Red for all his hard work.

Yes, agree. Professional level work, Big Red.

Ummm.....this class is exciting.

(05-19-2021 07:13 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  Ummm.....this class is exciting.

I was just thinking that myself. Is it too early to get excited about the possibilities for next season? If Burno can coach half as well as he recruits, things could get interesting. He brought in 2 players who were the 3rd best player in Illinois in their senior season. Usually we are lucky to get the 3rd best player on their high school team. This could be fun.

Hey all.

Thanks for the hat tips.

Greatly appreciated.

As for Hunter, he was one of the later signings. He's from Weber State and will have 2 seasons of eligibility. He honestly looks pretty exciting to go along with the rest of the group. I think he compliments the group well.

Here's what I posted about him:

Darweshi Hunter - Transferring from Weber State to NIU - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Dohn Prep at Dohn Community HS (Cincinnati - born in Phoenix, AZ) - Hunter played his first season at Central State (Wilberforce, OH - D-II) where he led the conference in scoring and was 2nd among freshman in D-II scoring averaging 20.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg. At Weber State, Hunter played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.9 ppg shooting 46.7% from the field (71.4% 3PT - 5 of 7) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I’m not sure why the limited playing time. I found a number of articles that seemed to be pretty excited about the NCAA granting the blanket waiver to transfers this year which was allowing him to be eligible. But, whether it be injury or COVID-19 or whatever, he didn't see the floor much. Hunter is a nice looking big guard. He’s 6’5”, which isn’t huge, but he’s athletically built and looks like a man on the floor. He’s not overly athletic in a way some other recruits have been. He’s much more of a perimeter/jump shooter who can go to the rim but it’s not his calling card. He also looks to play sound defense and will grab rebounds. This, in my opinion, is a really good transfer to get. He’s got 2 years remaining on his eligibility and knows how to score and can stretch a defense from outside. He’ll also be hard to guard for smaller players as he’s pretty tall for the position and has a nice high set shot. Coming out of HS, Hunter received additional offers from Central Connecticut, Lincoln (D-II - Chester County, PA), Purdue Northwest (D-II - Hammond/Westville, IN) and Assumption (D-II - Worcester, MA). Coming out of Central State, he received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Drake, Bryant and Wright State.

(05-19-2021 07:18 PM)StevenNIU Wrote:  

(05-19-2021 07:13 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  Ummm.....this class is exciting.

I was just thinking that myself. Is it too early to get excited about the possibilities for next season? If Burno can coach half as well as he recruits, things could get interesting. He brought in 2 players who were the 3rd best player in Illinois in their senior season. Usually we are lucky to get the 3rd best player on their high school team. This could be fun.

We got a pac-10 guy, a big ten guy, a freshman player of the year who averaged 25 points per game against MAC schools. Some local talent. Not bad for a last second class. Let’s Go!!!

(05-19-2021 10:24 PM)Big Red Wrote:  Hey all.

Thanks for the hat tips.

Greatly appreciated.

As for Hunter, he was one of the later signings. He's from Weber State and will have 2 seasons of eligibility. He honestly looks pretty exciting to go along with the rest of the group. I think he compliments the group well.

Here's what I posted about him:

Darweshi Hunter - Transferring from Weber State to NIU - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Dohn Prep at Dohn Community HS (Cincinnati - born in Phoenix, AZ) - Hunter played his first season at Central State (Wilberforce, OH - D-II) where he led the conference in scoring and was 2nd among freshman in D-II scoring averaging 20.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg. At Weber State, Hunter played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.9 ppg shooting 46.7% from the field (71.4% 3PT - 5 of 7) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I’m not sure why the limited playing time. I found a number of articles that seemed to be pretty excited about the NCAA granting the blanket waiver to transfers this year which was allowing him to be eligible. But, whether it be injury or COVID-19 or whatever, he didn't see the floor much. Hunter is a nice looking big guard. He’s 6’5”, which isn’t huge, but he’s athletically built and looks like a man on the floor. He’s not overly athletic in a way some other recruits have been. He’s much more of a perimeter/jump shooter who can go to the rim but it’s not his calling card. He also looks to play sound defense and will grab rebounds. This, in my opinion, is a really good transfer to get. He’s got 2 years remaining on his eligibility and knows how to score and can stretch a defense from outside. He’ll also be hard to guard for smaller players as he’s pretty tall for the position and has a nice high set shot. Coming out of HS, Hunter received additional offers from Central Connecticut, Lincoln (D-II - Chester County, PA), Purdue Northwest (D-II - Hammond/Westville, IN) and Assumption (D-II - Worcester, MA). Coming out of Central State, he received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Drake, Bryant and Wright State.

Hunter should have 3 years left, actually. Was listed as a sophomore last year and it was a "freebie" year. The Arizona State transfer, Osten, has 2 years left, and the Minnesota and Tulsa kids have 4 years each.

Impressive class on paper and should do well in the MAC. Hopefully they develop and the opportunities for multiple winning seasons looks promising. Looking forward to Coach Burno filling out his staff.

(05-20-2021 12:45 PM)NIUHuskies86 Wrote:  

(05-19-2021 10:24 PM)Big Red Wrote:  Hey all.

Thanks for the hat tips.

Greatly appreciated.

As for Hunter, he was one of the later signings. He's from Weber State and will have 2 seasons of eligibility. He honestly looks pretty exciting to go along with the rest of the group. I think he compliments the group well.

Here's what I posted about him:

Darweshi Hunter - Transferring from Weber State to NIU - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Dohn Prep at Dohn Community HS (Cincinnati - born in Phoenix, AZ) - Hunter played his first season at Central State (Wilberforce, OH - D-II) where he led the conference in scoring and was 2nd among freshman in D-II scoring averaging 20.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg. At Weber State, Hunter played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.9 ppg shooting 46.7% from the field (71.4% 3PT - 5 of 7) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I’m not sure why the limited playing time. I found a number of articles that seemed to be pretty excited about the NCAA granting the blanket waiver to transfers this year which was allowing him to be eligible. But, whether it be injury or COVID-19 or whatever, he didn't see the floor much. Hunter is a nice looking big guard. He’s 6’5”, which isn’t huge, but he’s athletically built and looks like a man on the floor. He’s not overly athletic in a way some other recruits have been. He’s much more of a perimeter/jump shooter who can go to the rim but it’s not his calling card. He also looks to play sound defense and will grab rebounds. This, in my opinion, is a really good transfer to get. He’s got 2 years remaining on his eligibility and knows how to score and can stretch a defense from outside. He’ll also be hard to guard for smaller players as he’s pretty tall for the position and has a nice high set shot. Coming out of HS, Hunter received additional offers from Central Connecticut, Lincoln (D-II - Chester County, PA), Purdue Northwest (D-II - Hammond/Westville, IN) and Assumption (D-II - Worcester, MA). Coming out of Central State, he received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Drake, Bryant and Wright State.

Hunter should have 3 years left, actually. Was listed as a sophomore last year and it was a "freebie" year. The Arizona State transfer, Osten, has 2 years left, and the Minnesota and Tulsa kids have 4 years each.

I'm sure you're right. I just always have a hard time accepting that NCAA gave EVERYONE an extra year of eligibility. Like...why would a freshman need an extra year? I get the seniors, but everyone????

Anyway, yeah, I think in my head I'm just operating under the assumption they don't have an extra year unless they end up playing an extra year. Most of these guys will be done with school (or should be) before the time their eligibility runs out.

There are some guys in the portal right now who are in like their 6th year of college basketball. Seriously? I legit ****** around a lot and was done in 6 years. I didn't have study tables or some coaches on my ass about making sure I was in class or whatever.

It just kinda feels like we're getting some D-1 lifers all across the country. Guys who somehow are playing 6 years and for 4 different teams.

Then again, if I transferred schools 4 times, I'm sure it would have taken me 8 years to graduate too.

StevinNiu, that’s not true at all. Monty got AbdelbNader who was one of the top players in Illinois, Marshawn Wilson was a top player from Minnesota, Dontel Highsmith coming out of Michigan was a top player in that state. Eugene German as a junior and senior led the state of Indiana in scoring. Jaylen Key pretty highly rated out of Wisconsin

(05-19-2021 10:24 PM)Big Red Wrote:  Hey all.

Thanks for the hat tips.

Greatly appreciated.

As for Hunter, he was one of the later signings. He's from Weber State and will have 2 seasons of eligibility. He honestly looks pretty exciting to go along with the rest of the group. I think he compliments the group well.

Here's what I posted about him:

Darweshi Hunter - Transferring from Weber State to NIU - Sophomore - 6’5” - SG - 2* recruit from Dohn Prep at Dohn Community HS (Cincinnati - born in Phoenix, AZ) - Hunter played his first season at Central State (Wilberforce, OH - D-II) where he led the conference in scoring and was 2nd among freshman in D-II scoring averaging 20.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg. At Weber State, Hunter played in 7 games (0 starts) averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.9 ppg shooting 46.7% from the field (71.4% 3PT - 5 of 7) and 50% FT (1 of 2). I’m not sure why the limited playing time. I found a number of articles that seemed to be pretty excited about the NCAA granting the blanket waiver to transfers this year which was allowing him to be eligible. But, whether it be injury or COVID-19 or whatever, he didn't see the floor much. Hunter is a nice looking big guard. He’s 6’5”, which isn’t huge, but he’s athletically built and looks like a man on the floor. He’s not overly athletic in a way some other recruits have been. He’s much more of a perimeter/jump shooter who can go to the rim but it’s not his calling card. He also looks to play sound defense and will grab rebounds. This, in my opinion, is a really good transfer to get. He’s got 2 years remaining on his eligibility and knows how to score and can stretch a defense from outside. He’ll also be hard to guard for smaller players as he’s pretty tall for the position and has a nice high set shot. Coming out of HS, Hunter received additional offers from Central Connecticut, Lincoln (D-II - Chester County, PA), Purdue Northwest (D-II - Hammond/Westville, IN) and Assumption (D-II - Worcester, MA). Coming out of Central State, he received additional offers from St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Drake, Bryant and Wright State.

I believe coach mentioned he got cleared late - joined Weber later in the process. Covid hurt workout time - and he just couldn’t get meshed with those guys.

Anyone care to venture a guess at the starting 5?

I look at all these names, and the roster, and it seems like it could be any one of a few combinations

(05-20-2021 05:35 PM)dc1 Wrote:  StevinNiu, that’s not true at all. Monty got AbdelbNader who was one of the top players in Illinois, Marshawn Wilson was a top player from Minnesota, Dontel Highsmith coming out of Michigan was a top player in that state. Eugene German as a junior and senior led the state of Indiana in scoring. Jaylen Key pretty highly rated out of Wisconsin

Obviously the jury is still out on Burno, however, the talent Monty got either a) proved to be not so talented, b) left, or c) could not be used by Monty. That's why his record was so abysmal and if not for STF's unwarranted and insane contract extensions, should have ended years earlier.

Time will tell but it so great to see positives about NIU MBB!

(05-20-2021 08:18 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  Anyone care to venture a guess at the starting 5?

I look at all these names, and the roster, and it seems like it could be any one of a few combinations

I'll take a stab at it.

Let's just put it this way, if it's not this lineup (and there are no injuries) I'd be really surprised:

G - Trendon Hankerson
G - Darweshi Hunter
G - Keshawn Williams
F - Martice Mitchell
C - Chris Osten

I could see a platoon between Zool Kueth and Mitchell in the 4 spot depending on the opponent and what they want to emphasize. Kaleb Thornton is also probably the first guard off the bench.

As for the freshman, who knows. Obviously Kon is really talented and looks like he may really be something but a lot with freshman depends on a lot of factors regarding how quickly they get into the lineup.

Name an NIU Bball coach with a better record than Montgomery. Molinary hardly counts I just heard year was so short and he won with another coaches players. I will hang up and listen for your answer.