2018-19 Roster

http://utrockets.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball

2018-19 Men's Basketball Roster

Marreon Jackson G 6-0 170 So.
Matt Schaffer G 6-1 180 Jr.
Chris Darrington G 6-1 180 Sr.
Spencer Littleson G 6-4 195
Jaelan Sanford G 6-4 195 Sr.
James Gordon IV F 6-5 215 So.
Dylan Alderson G 6-5 200 So.
Keshaun Saunders G 6-5 190 Fr.
Willie Jackson F 6-6 212 Jr.
Logan Hill F 6-7 205 R-Fr.
Nate Navigato F 6-8 215 Sr.
T.J. Smith F 6-8 200 Fr.
AJ Edu F 6-10 205 Fr.
Luke Knapke F/C 6-11 235 Jr.

I'm with others who think Darrington is more valuable if he sits a year. I'll take whatever happens as well. I like what I read since these name are now inked. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.

I think the program has taken a step forward. These guys look to be nice recruits. How it all fits together will be fun to watch.

I hope we can watch. Yea, you, ESPN. :-(

Any word on where our transfers are going to play next year?
Roberts, Rose, Adway.

If Darrington sits next year, then we will only have two scholarships available after the season-Sanford and Navigato. If Darrington plays, then we have 3 scholarships available. I believe he has a real chip on his shoulder. At one point he was perceived as the best player on his team and then he was merely a role player. I believe he is quite anxious to prove he is an "all conference" type of player. It would be nice to have two Players of the Year back to back.

I think this Recruiting Class is potentially the most "Athletic" Class Coach K has recruited in his 8 years as Head Coach. How that "potential" translates to the basketball court will be very interesting and fun to follow over the next 4 seasons!

I think TJ Smith is the biggest unknown in this class. There is essentially no video or game stories about him. One little blurb I found said he wasn't a starter for Aspire Academy. Often listed as 6-8 or 6-9, a photo of him next to Coach K (who is 6-2) makes him look about 6-6. In a video of the Aspire seniors standing together, Smith is standing next to a kid who is listed on the roster as 6-8, but Smith is about 3 inches shorter. Obviously height isn't everything, but it's still interesting. If he can shoot from the outside and get some rebounds, I'll be happy.

(04-16-2018 03:12 PM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  I think TJ Smith is the biggest unknown in this class. There is essentially no video or game stories about him. One little blurb I found said he wasn't a starter for Aspire Academy. Often listed as 6-8 or 6-9, a photo of him next to Coach K (who is 6-2) makes him look about 6-6. In a video of the Aspire seniors standing together, Smith is standing next to a kid who is listed on the roster as 6-8, but Smith is about 3 inches shorter. Obviously height isn't everything, but it's still interesting. If he can shoot from the outside and get some rebounds, I'll be happy.

In an article I read Coach K mentioned him as a wing player, and that he could use this year and learn from Navigato (who's probably 6'7"). The game today is much more a perimeter game, most of the Big's in the final four ran pick and rolls and pick and pops. I would be surprised if TJ redshirts this year. I'm interested to see how Hill's game has progressed from a 6'5" low post player to someone who can face the basket and score and defend the wing. I think him and Willie could be pretty tough on the glass.

(04-16-2018 03:12 PM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  I think TJ Smith is the biggest unknown in this class. There is essentially no video or game stories about him. One little blurb I found said he wasn't a starter for Aspire Academy. Often listed as 6-8 or 6-9, a photo of him next to Coach K (who is 6-2) makes him look about 6-6. In a video of the Aspire seniors standing together, Smith is standing next to a kid who is listed on the roster as 6-8, but Smith is about 3 inches shorter. Obviously height isn't everything, but it's still interesting. If he can shoot from the outside and get some rebounds, I'll be happy.

Replying to my own post. Found this interview with TJ Smith from about three years ago. A little tough to keep track of him since he's been at Marian (IL) Catholic, Wesley (KY) Christian and Aspire (KY) Academy. P.S. Not sure the video works?^#@!**

https://www.prephoops.com/2016/06/tj-smith-video/

Also a more recent interview from Prep Hoops:

Posted On: 10/19/17 12:00 PM

Class of 2018 small forward TJ Smith is a prospect that is originally from Illinois that played at Marian Catholic early in his career. He has bounced around prep schools the last couple years and now is at Aspire Academy in Kentucky. Smith is a 6’7” small forward with good size and length. Quality athlete that plays well in the transition game. Solid rebounding wing with offensive potential. Low-major prospect.

He ran with the Illinois Wolves on the UAA circuit this past summer.

“It went well. As a team from the spring to the summer it was a big improvement. We won a lot of tournaments. We bought in as a team. Individually I felt I improved. I felt I improved my motor. My jump shot improved and strength.”

Where do things stand with recruiting?

“Right now I have Toledo and Miami (OH). Those are the two that are recruiting me the hardest right now. I have some interest from Butler, Dayton, and VCU. I just took an official to Toledo. That was my first one. I plan to take to take an official or unofficial to Miami (OH) soon.”

Smith broke down the two schools toward the front of his recruitment at this stage.

Toledo

“Great coaching staff. I have a great relationship with their head coach. The whole coaching staff is great.”

Miami (OH)

“At Miami (OH) the campus is real nice and coaching staff is nice as well.”

We need a countdown clock to Rocket Basketball version 2018.

Please don't screw this up ESPN(3).

More Keshaun Saunders

(04-16-2018 08:21 PM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  More Keshaun Saunders

some of those kids he's playing with look like they're 12. saunders looks like he's put on about 10=15 lbs of muscle since those videos. really good prospect. let's hope he stays healthy and confident.

(04-16-2018 04:11 PM)utrocks84 Wrote:  

(04-16-2018 03:12 PM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  I think TJ Smith is the biggest unknown in this class. There is essentially no video or game stories about him. One little blurb I found said he wasn't a starter for Aspire Academy. Often listed as 6-8 or 6-9, a photo of him next to Coach K (who is 6-2) makes him look about 6-6. In a video of the Aspire seniors standing together, Smith is standing next to a kid who is listed on the roster as 6-8, but Smith is about 3 inches shorter. Obviously height isn't everything, but it's still interesting. If he can shoot from the outside and get some rebounds, I'll be happy.

In an article I read Coach K mentioned him as a wing player, and that he could use this year and learn from Navigato (who's probably 6'7"). The game today is much more a perimeter game, most of the Big's in the final four ran pick and rolls and pick and pops. I would be surprised if TJ redshirts this year. I'm interested to see how Hill's game has progressed from a 6'5" low post player to someone who can face the basket and score and defend the wing. I think him and Willie could be pretty tough on the glass.

most teams inflate player's height. slender players usually get rounded up or even listed an inch taller. muscular players sometimes get an extra inch and a half or 2 inches. tino valencia was listed at 6-6 and was a good 6-4. weatherspoon measured at 6-4 1/2 but was listed at 6-6. sanford is about 6-3 1/2 and listed at 6-4. adway never looked 6-9. knapke is on record as saying he's closer to 7 foot than 6-11 but prefers to not be a 7 footer. I don't know exactly how tall TJ Smith is but I would't base it on a phone pic w coach k. listed at 6-9 or 6-8 depending on the source. perhaps, more like 6-7 1/2 I imagine.

Nevertheless, yeah he's the biggest wildcard in the class. has a lot of tools; tall, athletic, nice shot, likes the game and is dedicated, good student. However, he's never demonstrated great productivity. Ideally, he developes into a hybrid of Navigato and Adway. An athletic stretch 4 who can rebound, get out on the break and spread the floor on offense by being a 3 point threat. Slender but a good naturally muscular build that should handle the weight that comes w strength training and getting older. Needs to go from having a nice shot with range to being able to make 3 pointers in game situations. needs to show he can combine his physical tools with technique and toughness on the boards and defending. Pretty sure he was recruited on upside. Might never make enough plays to stick around, but if he grows into a comfortable shooter and tough rebounder he could be real good. Plus, he comes off as cool, focused and friendly young man who should be a solid addition to the team culture. I wonder if some of the folks questioning his recruitment are also the ones complaining we recruit too many guards?