(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

That would be great news for Toledo if Knapke developed to the point where Big 10 or other "Majors" would consider him for a graduate transfer after the upcoming season. By him having that type of success this upcoming season, I think would translate into Toledo having a very successful season as well! That is a "concern" I could live with!

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Thanks a bunch, Dwight. That never occurred to me. Now I won’t be able to sleep. Let’s hide his homework so he flunks a class but stays eligible. Ungrateful little snot better not leave! Just kidding, Luke, we love you no matter what.

(07-03-2018 01:31 PM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

That would be great news for Toledo if Knapke developed to the point where Big 10 or other "Majors" would consider him for a graduate transfer after the upcoming season. By him having that type of success this upcoming season, I think would translate into Toledo having a very successful season as well! That is a "concern" I could live with!

De la Rosa was worse than what Knapke WAS much less is much less will be. That concerns me.

(07-03-2018 01:02 PM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  The following are Etherington's Statistics from 8 Games he played for G3 GRIND against very good competition this past Spring on the AAU Circuit where Toledo coaches watched him play:

16.6 ppg.
7.1 rpg.
39.6% Three Point Shooting

IndianaBBallSource.com's Trevor Andershock says that he is a "big time vertical athlete who has done a good job of developing his skill set, especially his outside shooting". National Prep Hoops says that Etherington is a "huge pickup for Toledo".

seen some similar quotes on him, although don't know how legit most of these recruiting site guys are. I mean, you never see a guy go on record with "he's a bit over-recruited, I think he'll top out as a role player of W. State U" or "wow, this kid got a great deal on a scholarship at Premier U. he's an ok prospect with marginal academic drive". i remember some glowing quotes about dwayne rose jr from illinois high school recruiting guys and none of them saying, "well, he's fast and has plenty potential to be an active defender but D1 might expose some of his weaknesses shooting from range or not having the ball handling skills to run an offense"

what I like is when we got the commitment. Staff offered him after his junior season (as did Ball St, Buffalo, Ohio and Evansville - he already had a couple lesser D1 offers). then, watched him on the early summer AAU circuit where did real well and intensified their recruiting and got him to commit. as a mid major you have more limited windows to get commitments and good recruiting usually means getting kids to commit when you've had enough time to fully evaluate them, but the bigger boys are still weighing their options and not going hard after the good mid major major/marginal P5 talents. the fact coach K got 2 of their top targets committed well before the early signing date shows that they were well organized and effective in their recruiting approach and follow through. no guarantee either of them becomes a star but your top recruiting targets usually become solid players.

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) We have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

They always seem to come up with something if they can get a player they want. I am sure that they will figure a way to bring him in.

Blade Story:
http://www.toledoblade.com/College/2018/...ngton.html

(07-07-2018 06:48 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  Blade Story:
http://www.toledoblade.com/College/2018/...ngton.html

Did anyone else get the sense his coach was hedging a lot in his praise? Lots of “if he buys into this” and “if he can make progress on that” quotes.

(07-07-2018 07:55 AM)H2Oville Rocket Wrote:  

(07-07-2018 06:48 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  Blade Story:
http://www.toledoblade.com/College/2018/...ngton.html

Did anyone else get the sense his coach was hedging a lot in his praise? Lots of “if he buys into this” and “if he can make progress on that” quotes.

Yes, I read that too, but he still has him for another yr and probably understands that he needs improvement and motivation.

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Generally guys leave only when they lack playing time. This is not going to be a problem for Knapke.

(07-08-2018 10:28 AM)rocketpaul Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Generally guys leave only when they lack playing time. This is not going to be a problem for Knapke.

Generally, I think you're right, but it's not true with grad transfers. If they've already graduated and don't have to sit a year, plenty of mid-major guys try to move up in their final year. I mentioned de la Rose in my earlier post. Other examples from recent years include Marin Maric of Northern Illinois and Jaaron Simmons of Ohio. And a major conference team that has an extra scholarship late in the game is happy to give it to someone who may or may not contribute but who will use up the scholarship slot for only one year. This year, Ikenna Smart, a back-up center for Buffalo, moved to the ACC's Wake Forest for his graduate year. We just have to hope that Knapke loves Toledo enough not to be seduced by the opportunity to play in a major conference, because that opportunity will be there.

(07-08-2018 01:11 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-08-2018 10:28 AM)rocketpaul Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Generally guys leave only when they lack playing time. This is not going to be a problem for Knapke.

Generally, I think you're right, but it's not true with grad transfers. If they've already graduated and don't have to sit a year, plenty of mid-major guys try to move up in their final year. I mentioned de la Rose in my earlier post. Other examples from recent years include Marin Maric of Northern Illinois and Jaaron Simmons of Ohio. And a major conference team that has an extra scholarship late in the game is happy to give it to someone who may or may not contribute but who will use up the scholarship slot for only one year. This year, Ikenna Smart, a back-up center for Buffalo, moved to the ACC's Wake Forest for his graduate year. We just have to hope that Knapke loves Toledo enough not to be seduced by the opportunity to play in a major conference, because that opportunity will be there.

Simmons is a great cautionary tale. First team All-MAC as a junior, goes to Michigan and gets 8 minutes per game. Consolation prize was All-Academic Big Ten. Marcic, OTOH, had a huge season for De Paul so who knows?

(07-08-2018 01:11 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-08-2018 10:28 AM)rocketpaul Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 09:24 AM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  We have a full roster of 13, with Darrington unable to play under current transfer rules (?) Weh have only two graduating seniors. Those scholarships are now filled. My concern is that we have done nothing to bring in some big PF/Center types to help our rebounding and interior defense. 10 of our 13 players are what I would call big guards (maybe a combo or two) or wing forwards.

Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Generally guys leave only when they lack playing time. This is not going to be a problem for Knapke.

Generally, I think you're right, but it's not true with grad transfers. If they've already graduated and don't have to sit a year, plenty of mid-major guys try to move up in their final year. I mentioned de la Rose in my earlier post. Other examples from recent years include Marin Maric of Northern Illinois and Jaaron Simmons of Ohio. And a major conference team that has an extra scholarship late in the game is happy to give it to someone who may or may not contribute but who will use up the scholarship slot for only one year. This year, Ikenna Smart, a back-up center for Buffalo, moved to the ACC's Wake Forest for his graduate year. We just have to hope that Knapke loves Toledo enough not to be seduced by the opportunity to play in a major conference, because that opportunity will be there.

Smart was from Nigeria and had no connection to Buffalo. Knapke's hometown is 90 minutes from UT.

(07-08-2018 04:16 PM)DetroitRocket Wrote:  

(07-08-2018 01:11 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-08-2018 10:28 AM)rocketpaul Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 01:14 PM)Dwight Wrote:  

(07-03-2018 10:42 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Roster wise, Rockets actually have more height than Loyola or Villanova last season.

I'm concerned that we may only have one more year of Knapke. This is his fourth year of school, so I'm guessing he will graduate. He'll get plenty of Big 10 and similar offers for his final year. Kent State's Adonis de la Rosa got a grad transfer scholarship at Illinois despite having serious knee surgery in March. The good news is that we will create mismatches for opposing teams with the quickness and/or shooting ability of the small guys we play at the 4 and 5.

Generally guys leave only when they lack playing time. This is not going to be a problem for Knapke.

Generally, I think you're right, but it's not true with grad transfers. If they've already graduated and don't have to sit a year, plenty of mid-major guys try to move up in their final year. I mentioned de la Rose in my earlier post. Other examples from recent years include Marin Maric of Northern Illinois and Jaaron Simmons of Ohio. And a major conference team that has an extra scholarship late in the game is happy to give it to someone who may or may not contribute but who will use up the scholarship slot for only one year. This year, Ikenna Smart, a back-up center for Buffalo, moved to the ACC's Wake Forest for his graduate year. We just have to hope that Knapke loves Toledo enough not to be seduced by the opportunity to play in a major conference, because that opportunity will be there.

Smart was from Nigeria and had no connection to Buffalo. Knapke's hometown is 90 minutes from UT.

some version of this

most of the guys mentioned as examples have history of bouncing around and aren't playing for a (more or less) hometown team. the increasing majority of grad transfers are players who transfer earlier in college, redshirt, get better, graduate on time, and then transfer again to a 3rd school for their final year of eligibility and a year of grad school. simmons is the only high level MAC player who has left by the grad transfer route and i can't really blame him. he had a big junior year but ohio was bringing back a marginal team in terms of competing for the top tier of the MAC, much less going to the tourney. simmons pro options were always limited as he is a marginal outside shooter and smaller guy so a big year, driving through mac defenses on an average ohio team wasn't gonna move the bar. Michigan went to the title game and is an excellent iconic school wit a lot going on athletically and academically. simmons is a serious student and apparently more concerned with his own academic and personal athletic journey than loyalty to a program (remember he was part of a good Houston program initially), which is what it is.

most of the MAC grad transfers out have been big guys who fit the description but were limited role players. Smart is an imposingly built 6-9/6-10 player who is fairly solid fundamentally. that makes him a marketable grad recruit. MAC fans know he is isn't much of a playmaker. he allows buffalo to use Perkins, the better big man, in a versatile way of the bench which is also his comfort zone. Nobles from EMU transferred out and will play for oakland. he is 6-9, long, lefthanded and can shoot. never could make enough plays to get off the bench at EMU, but should find more minutes for his final year at Oakland. he looks the part. Mccormack 6-9 guy from WMU and Price a tall shooter from EMU recently went ACC as grad transfers and neither started at their MAC schools. but they were tall experienced guys who could shoot which makes them marketable.

Knapke has not bounced around. is very grounded at UT and in Ohio. has a great role on his team as a stretch 4/5 in a pro style offense with the opportunity to grow into a big time featured player at UT who has been nipping at the door of the NCAAs for several years now. not worried.