Recruiting Update

[JohnG92]

Agreed. I wonder if there was a little nudging of Biruta to get him to go to URI.  Note, I am not saying by whom, but right now it is just a coincidence that the news about Biruta transferring and Hurley getting the job became official on the same day.  If Biruta winds up at URI, I'd start to wonder if it was truly just a coincidence.

Why is he leaving Rutgers? Did he not get along with Rice?

[ace93]

Why is he leaving Rutgers? Did he not get along with Rice?

The one article I read said that while he thrived as a freshman, Rutgers went to a more guard oriented system this season and he did not seem to like it as much, having to go out to the perimeter at times to get the ball.  It was also said that he was one of Rice's favorites, so it was a bit of a surprise.  At the same time he was a Fred Hill recruit, so he might not feel the same loyalty to Rice.

By the way, not happy with a guard oriented system means not coming to FU (not that there was ever a chance really).

[JohnG92]

The one article I read said that while he thrived as a freshman, Rutgers went to a more guard oriented system this season and he did not seem to like it as much, having to go out to the perimeter at times to get the ball.  It was also said that he was one of Rice's favorites, so it was a bit of a surprise.  At the same time he was a Fred Hill recruit, so he might not feel the same loyalty to Rice.

By the way, not happy with a guard oriented system means not coming to FU (not that there was ever a chance really).

thx.

I'd like to see a bit more flexibility from the coaching staff in designing offensive sets that play to the talent we have on hand, or could have on hand. 

[Rich93]

The one article I read said that while he thrived as a freshman, Rutgers went to a more guard oriented system this season and he did not seem to like it as much, having to go out to the perimeter at times to get the ball.  It was also said that he was one of Rice's favorites, so it was a bit of a surprise.  At the same time he was a Fred Hill recruit, so he might not feel the same loyalty to Rice.

By the way, not happy with a guard oriented system means not coming to FU (not that there was ever a chance really).

One other thing to consider is that a healthy Kadeem Jack and Wally Judge (K-State transfer who will play next year) were likely going to cut into Biruta's minutes next year.  Rutgers would certainly be better off having him, but if things go as planned he would not be starting. 

[WalterVarian]

Pecora is a system coach. Either the system works and we win or it doesnt and we will lose. As far as in game adjustments, we will not be happy on this board. Is what it is.

[PeterMartin08]

Why is he leaving Rutgers? Did he not get along with Rice?

All you'd ever hear was that Biruta was Rice's favorite player...He'd do well in the A10

[In-The-Know]

All you'd ever hear was that Biruta was Rice's favorite player...He'd do well in the A10

yes he will-for the Rams-as in URI Rams and his former coach at St. Bendedicts-Dan Hurley-new head coach of the Kingston school.

[rambacker]

PG Tavon Sledge is transferring from Iowa State.  Could he help us?  The answer is yes....he played his high school ball at Half Hollows Hills West on Long Island.

[PeterMartin08]

PG Tavon Sledge is transferring from Iowa State.  Could he help us?  The answer is yes....he played his high school ball at Half Hollows Hills West on Long Island.

RB - Four-star, Big East player...

[Richie68]

I keep hearing a lot of names, but when are we going to get one of these top notch players?  That's what we must expect from our coach given his salary and supposed recruiting credentials.  I'm waiting and I think a lot of other long suffering Ram fans are also.  Now, deliver, please.

[FU85]

backer,
Sledge would be an excellent pick up at this time. I was skeptical when he was coming out of hs because i thought he wanted to chase the dream and he didn't see that at FU but now after reality set in maybe he will reconsider and end up at the RHG playing for FU. 

[71]

PG Tavon Sledge is transferring from Iowa State.  Could he help us?  The answer is yes....he played his high school ball at Half Hollows Hills West on Long Island.

Why is he transferring? (apologies if this has already been mentioned.)

[rambacker]

RB - Four-star, Big East player...

Peter, yes, but one can dream, right?

[rambacker]

backer,
Sledge would be an excellent pick up at this time. I was skeptical when he was coming out of hs because i thought he wanted to chase the dream and he didn't see that at FU but now after reality set in maybe he will reconsider and end up at the RHG playing for FU. 

He would be a great get for us, no question.

[rambacker]

Why is he transferring? (apologies if this has already been mentioned.)

71, he's transferring because there wasn't going to be much playing time for him at Iowa State.

[JohnG92]

I keep hearing a lot of names, but when are we going to get one of these top notch players?  That's what we must expect from our coach given his salary and supposed recruiting credentials.  I'm waiting and I think a lot of other long suffering Ram fans are also.  Now, deliver, please.

+ infinity

[John]

I keep hearing a lot of names, but when are we going to get one of these top notch players?  That's what we must expect from our coach given his salary and supposed recruiting credentials.  I'm waiting and I think a lot of other long suffering Ram fans are also.  Now, deliver, please.

My thoughts exactly. It's intriguing to hear of these big-time transfers -- Biruta, Oriakhi, Sledge -- but none ever land at Fordham. If TP is losing out on these guys to a coach who hasn't coached an A-10 game yet, and is taking over a squad that lost 24 games last year, that's not a good sign for us. Next year is the midpoint on the coach's contract, and I'd sure like to see some indication that the recruiting prowess for which he was supposedly hired is intact. And that his jump to a bigger conference allows him to get bigger names (which was the insinuation when he was hired).

[Rich93]

I keep hearing a lot of names, but when are we going to get one of these top notch players?  That's what we must expect from our coach given his salary and supposed recruiting credentials.  I'm waiting and I think a lot of other long suffering Ram fans are also.  Now, deliver, please.

How do you define top notch? 

[ace93]

Why did people expect this out of Pecora, b/c he said it or Frank said it or someone said it?  Did he have a track record of doing this, of winning recruiting battles against bigger conferences?  I thought he was more known for finding hidden gems, players who were under the radar.  Am I wrong in that?

My thoughts exactly. It's intriguing to hear of these big-time transfers -- Biruta, Oriakhi, Sledge -- but none ever land at Fordham. If TP is losing out on these guys to a coach who hasn't coached an A-10 game yet, and is taking over a squad that lost 24 games last year, that's not a good sign for us. Next year is the midpoint on the coach's contract, and I'd sure like to see some indication that the recruiting prowess for which he was supposedly hired is intact. And that his jump to a bigger conference allows him to get bigger names (which was the insinuation when he was hired).

John, you are downplaying Danny Hurley and what the Hurley name brings.  You also have to keep in mind that Biruta played for Hurley at St. Benedict's.  URI was said to have the talent, but was not coached very well.  I can see Biruta as the first domino where other players start to think that if Biruta joins and they join that suddenly that team is ready.  All this translates to Hurley being out of URI in two years.

[85]

Why did people expect this out of Pecora, b/c he said it or Frank said it or someone said it?  Did he have a track record of doing this, of winning recruiting battles against bigger conferences?  I thought he was more known for finding hidden gems, players who were under the radar.  Am I wrong in 

I think Pecora put the target on his back with the  "own NYC" comments.  I actually wonder if that wasnt more tongue in cheek and joking around when Van Macon was up for the Hofstra job.........

[Rich93]

My thoughts exactly. It's intriguing to hear of these big-time transfers -- Biruta, Oriakhi, Sledge -- but none ever land at Fordham. If TP is losing out on these guys to a coach who hasn't coached an A-10 game yet, and is taking over a squad that lost 24 games last year, that's not a good sign for us. Next year is the midpoint on the coach's contract, and I'd sure like to see some indication that the recruiting prowess for which he was supposedly hired is intact. And that his jump to a bigger conference allows him to get bigger names (which was the insinuation when he was hired).

the problem is that we just look at names and do not know the story behind the transfer and who these guys have relationships with.  Take Biruta for instance.  Hurley coached him in highschool, you think that has something to do with his possibly going to URI?  Do you think Oriakhi is going to spend his last year of basketball at a school that finished dead last in the conference the last 4 years after playing on a national championship team?  URI had a bad year this year but they showed more than we did when they beat us by 20 at home (another reason why winning matters).  Who the hell knows what Sledge's story is and where he is going but it is evident he had no desire to stay in New York the first time he chose a school, he went to Iowa.

Here is how Pecora proves his recruiting prowess, we win games.  I do not care if he does it getting 5 star players or players who fall through the cracks.  Two years in we are still in last place and that is pathetic but it will not be solved by simply recruiting  bunch of guys who on paper look great. He needs to bring in players and build a team that will perform on the court and that must start this year. 

[John]

Sure, Pecora had a record of getting a few diamonds in the rough when he was at Hofstra. That being said, it never got him either a CAA championship or an NCAA bid. But I think the expectation was that he'd step up the recruiting when he got to Fordham. Certainly, the A-10 is a tougher league, and I think more is required in terms of talent.

That being said, I think what Frank & Co. were buying (and looking for) in getting Pecora was "respectability". If TP never does better than, say 16-14, or so, they'll be happy.

We just have to hope that Pecora himself wants better than that.

[FU85]

fellas,
     as we write other local schools are already in contact with sledge.

[PeterMartin08]

Peter, yes, but one can dream, right?

Of course.

Jamal Coombs-McDaniels (UCONN) has a slightly more complicated story (marijuana possession) but he was the 14th ranked SF of the '09 class. He'll be eligible to play at Hofstra in the Fall, along with Taran Buie (Penn State) ...so yes, its not completely off the wall.

[ace93]

I think Pecora put the target on his back with the  "own NYC" comments.  I actually wonder if that wasnt more tongue in cheek and joking around when Van Macon was up for the Hofstra job.........

Yes.  I think too much was made out of that comment.  It was made in a joking manner, probably should not have been said b/c people love to take things and run with it, but it was a joke nonetheless.

Sure, Pecora had a record of getting a few diamonds in the rough when he was at Hofstra. That being said, it never got him either a CAA championship or an NCAA bid. But I think the expectation was that he'd step up the recruiting when he got to Fordham. Certainly, the A-10 is a tougher league, and I think more is required in terms of talent.

You say "expectation".  Do you mean in the sense that it was part of his job requirement?  Or simply that it was expected to happen as in, well now he's in the A10 so he'll just bring in talent that is a step up?

[Rich93]

Of course.

Jamal Coombs-McDaniels (UCONN) has a slightly more complicated story (marijuana possession) but he was the 14th ranked SF of the '09 class. He'll be eligible to play at Hofstra in the Fall, along with Taran Buie (Penn State) ...so yes, its not completely off the wall.

Buie was a problem the entire time he was at Penn St.:

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/32820/taran-buie-faces-theft-charges

I have no idea what happened with the charges. 

[Rich93]

fellas,
     as we write other local schools are already in contact with sledge.

Ok, maybe we are also.  Or maybe Pecora thinks that the guys we are recruiting now are a better option since they can play right away and will be as good as Sledge when they enter their sophmore years (when Sledge will be eligible to step on the court). 

[FU85]

rich93,
     I have seen sledge play since he was in 4th grade at st joes cyo in spring valley, we could use him and he would help us. I hope we are in contact with him.

[John]

You say "expectation".  Do you mean in the sense that it was part of his job requirement?  Or simply that it was expected to happen as in, well now he's in the A10 so he'll just bring in talent that is a step up?

I mean in the sense that it was part of his job requirement. When Pecora was at Hofstra, the local AAU coaches would send him the best of their players who were not tabbed for the "power" conferences (including the A-10). Pecora recognized this, and when he moved to Fordham, the expectation was that his AAU contacts would start recommending him to their players who did have "power conference" offers. This wasn't my personal expectation, it was what the press suggested would happen. And I think we can all agree it hasn't happened -- yet.  The "local" signings to date have been of kids who he was trying to get academically reformed in the hope of getting them into Hofstra (Fatty, Short), kids he'd recruited to Hofstra (Frazier) and kids he beat out Hofstra to get (Smith). Don't get me wrong -- these seem to be good players, the kind who will get you a respectable season by the time they are seniors. But they're not guys with high major offers.

It wouldn't kill us to get an "impact" guy, someone who would let us make a splash. Sometimes, all you need is that one key player to get the flow started.  Case in point: Oriakhi from UConn.  Won't happen, but consider: the guy's a center -- we just graduated our center.  If he came here, he could team up with a senior Chris Gaston to form a formidable frontcourt, supporting by an improving backcourt. He could be the difference between aspiring to a .500 season and an A-10 tournament berth, and aspiring to the real postseason, at some level, and doing some damage in the A-10 tournament.  Like I say, sometimes you just need that one recruit to get things going . . .

[ace93]

Thanks for the clarification, John.  I think that the expectation that the AAU talent  recommended to him would suddenly step up is a bit foolish.  He was getting CAA level talent to a good to very good CAA level team.  Power conference level players want to go to power conference level teams; we are not that.

I agree with you about an impact guy.  It does not take much.  I think this team has decent talent, a good bit of potential and one really impact recruit could push us to the next level (relatively speaking).