Tracking Our *CURRENTLY* Signed/Committed Recruits

[PhillyNY]

And that's why kids should never sign contracts. I bet they are having some second thougths now. Or they fancy themselves Hardwood Messiahs.

[rambacker]

And that's why kids should never sign contracts. I bet they are having some second thougths now. Or they fancy themselves Hardwood Messiahs.

How do you know our recruits didn't sign their commitments because they are impressed with Fordham as an institution, academically and otherwise along with the basketball elements?  Your comment is quite presumptuous.  These recruits go through an extensive process of meetings, tours and research on what they are doing.  It would be a good idea to refrain from such simplistic analysis or at least consider that these kids are thinking about more than just basketball.

[PhillyNY]

RB, no need to lecture me. That tone of voice is most unbecoming and I see you use it frequently. I'm no longer an undergraduate and my schoolboy days are long past. Nonetheless, I see your point. However, I'm not quite convinced that that is what goes through the mind of top notch player. I only hope you are right and I am wrong

[rambacker]

I'm not lecturing you.  Here is your statement: 

And that's why kids should never sign contracts. I bet they are having some second thougths now. Or they fancy themselves Hardwood Messiahs.
 

Have you figured out a method for student-athletes to commit to colleges that's better than the LOI?  If so, please explain it.  You make a quite sweeping statement which I questioned, and there's nothing at all wrong with that. 

I don't think these kids are just considering basketball when they commit.  I happen to know that these recruits are also concerned with where they get their degree.  A Fordham degree has great value.  Wouldn't you agree?

[fordhamram]

I'm not lecturing you.  Here is your statement: 

And that's why kids should never sign contracts. I bet they are having some second thougths now. Or they fancy themselves Hardwood Messiahs.
 

Have you figured out a method for student-athletes to commit to colleges that's better than the LOI?  If so, please explain it.  You make a quite sweeping statement which I questioned, and there's nothing at all wrong with that. 

I don't think these kids are just considering basketball when they commit.  I happen to know that these recruits are also concerned with where they get their degree.  A Fordham degree has great value.  Wouldn't you agree?

They could always sign when every other incoming freshman does- May 1

[rambacker]

They could always sign when every other incoming freshman does- May 1

Not sure what you mean.

[PhillyNY]

RB, understood. Frankly I think signing signing  binding agreements that don't take effect for two years is a generally a bad idea in any contract. I think it especially so regarding adolescents, who are not competent to enter such agreements in most other areas of life. As for the value of a Fordham degree. I love the place as much as you, but it isn't even on my 17 year old son's list. I suppose that's because he can't shoot the rock and we'd likely end up paying the full freight. Given the cost I'm not sure the brand carries the weight to justify it. But that is not a topic for a sports forum.

I could go on, but that would not move the ball forward as it were.

[rambacker]

RB, understood. Frankly I think signing signing  binding agreements that don't take effect for two years is a generally a bad idea in any contract. I think it especially so regarding adolescents, who are not competent to enter such agreements in most other areas of life. As for the value of a Fordham degree. I love the place as much as you, but it isn't even on my 17 year old son's list. I suppose that's because he can't shoot the rock and we'd likely end up paying the full freight. Given the cost I'm not sure the brand carries the weight to justify it. But that is not a topic for a sports forum.

I could go on, but that would not move the ball forward as it were.

You make a good point.  Signing any important agreement two years in advance as an adolescent is questionable.  But the current system is in place, and until it's improved we are stuck with it.  The bottom line is, if these kids end up with a Fordham degree, they will probably not be disappointed.  They will pay for it with their hard work and dedication as players, to a large extent, but in actual dollars it would have cost $240,000.  If they leverage it well, it will eventually be worth a lot more than that.

[ace93]

Do they sign a full two years in advance?  I thought they signed just before their senior year of high school.

Also, if they don't sign, they likely won't play at the level that they likely would otherwise.  The scholarship will be given to a kid that does sign.

[RAM71]

For anyone who still cares at this point- Brian Freeman's last two games:

2/12- 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks in a 47-28 win over a weak St. Andrews

2/14- 8 points, 17 rebounds, 1 block in a 59-36 loss to a very good Flint Hill

I have not seen him play but, based on his numbers and reports, I have lowered my expectations for production from Freeman for next year. He will help with rebounding and is a definite upgrade.

Remember, he is not a Grasso recruit.

Now Chris Gaston on the other hand....      

[rambacker]

Do they sign a full two years in advance?  I thought they signed just before their senior year of high school.

Also, if they don't sign, they likely won't play at the level that they likely would otherwise.  The scholarship will be given to a kid that does sign.

They sign a year in advance, November, or May of their senior year.  Good point.  That's not so bad.  Kids are deciding on a college in the Fall of their senior year anyway.

[Stringer Bell]

Joel Wright got tossed in the fourth quarter of the Brooklyn borough championship game tonight for his 2nd technical foul---nearly starting a riot in the crowd.  I love this kid already, he's clearly not a pansy like most of our current players.  Thomas Jefferson got smoked, but Keith Spellman didn't play and it sounds like Wright had a great game before being ejected.

[RAM71]

Joel Wright got tossed in the fourth quarter of the Brooklyn borough championship game tonight for his 2nd technical foul---nearly starting a riot in the crowd.  I love this kid already, he's clearly not a pansy like most of our current players.  Thomas Jefferson got smoked, but Keith Spellman didn't play and it sounds like Wright had a great game before being ejected.

Striger Bell, I agree with you about Joel Wright. But you will never see him in a Fordham uniform if both DW and JG are gone after this year. 

[dcram4]

Brian Freeman's last two games:
Remember, he is not a Grasso recruit.

Yeah, Freeman was recruited by Lyons and Whittenburg. Im not sure how much we can expect from Freeman, but I think his size and rebounding ability will provide us with some front-court depth. I think it is very critical that we get another big from the class of 2010 or 2011 like Derrick Williams or Collier.

[rambacker]

Yeah, Freeman was recruited by Lyons and Whittenburg. Im not sure how much we can expect from Freeman, but I think his size and rebounding ability will provide us with some front-court depth. I think it is very critical that we get another big from the class of 2010 or 2011 like Derrick Williams or Collier.

Talked to a scout recently who saw Freeman play recently.  His assessment:  "big kid, athletic, will rebound for Fordham."

[RamRunner12]

A rebounding and interior defensive presence would be most valuable to us, but I must say that I was pretty impressed by the nifty little step-back jumper he hit in one of the videos posted awhile back.  I've never seen one of our big men display a move like that in the time I've been following the team.  Maybe Michael Haynes.  Even if Freeman isn't an out-and-out scorer, just being able to keep other teams HONEST with a post move or two would do our guards a huge service that they are presently missing out on.

[b.mann]

Exactly how binding are LOI's...if the coach leaves? If DW goes, I think it is incumbent on us to keep Grasso as the head coach. If he does go, I wish him the best, but I hope he stays at least to see if the recruits that are coming pan out. GO RAMS!

[fordahmballer]

From what I hear we cannot afford to lose Chris Gaston and Lance Brown...they are both big east level players who can take our program to the next level. Gotta keep Grasso to keep them!

[Stringer Bell]

Talked to a scout recently who saw Freeman play recently.  His assessment:  "big kid, athletic, will rebound for Fordham."

I've never seen Freeman play, but this is what I want from him next year---6 points, 5.5 rebounds and a blocked shot in 23 minutes.  I don't think that's asking for too much.  One of the things that hasn't been discussed is what happens to Freeman if Lyons isn't on our staff next season?  He recruited him and they're relatives.  

[RockyRaccoon10]

I've never seen Freeman play, but this is what I want from him next year---6 points, 5.5 rebounds and a blocked shot in 23 minutes.  I don't think that's asking for too much.  One of the things that hasn't been discussed is what happens to Freeman if Lyons isn't on our staff next season?  He recruited him and they're relatives.  

well, if he does stay, and lyons isn't here, he'll probably develop somewhat

[shortshot]

From what I hear we cannot afford to lose Chris Gaston and Lance Brown...they are both big east level players who can take our program to the next level. Gotta keep Grasso to keep them!

If DW goes, Grasso will probably be gone also. Don't know if we will lose Gaston and Brown but would not give odds on them staying. Be careful what you wish for. You may get it.

[RAM71]

If DW goes, Grasso will probably be gone also. Don't know if we will lose Gaston and Brown but would not give odds on them staying. Be careful what you wish for. You may get it.

Without DW or Grasso, the odds of Gaston and Brown coming here are between none and zero- count on it. And throw in Wright.... and Jio and Estwick and forget about Williams. Three years of hard recruiting work down the drain. Good luck to the next coach with 3 returning players and 7 walk-ons next year.   

[rambacker]

Without DW or Grasso, the odds of Gaston and Brown coming here are between none and zero- count on it. And throw in Wright.... and Jio and Estwick and forget about Williams. Three years of hard recruiting work down the drain. Good luck to the next coach with 3 returning players and 7 walk-ons next year.   

That is absolutely correct, 71.  Jared Grasso must remain a part of the program, as either Head Coach or top Asst., or all of those players are gone.

[RAM71]

That is absolutely correct, 71.  Jared Grasso must remain a part of the program, as either Head Coach or top Asst., or all of those players are gone.

I am with you, Rambacker. But I don't have confidence in our administration to make it happen. 

[fordahmballer]

I would think administration will have to keep Grasso, they would be craxy not to! If he is the upcoming star that everyone says he is, why wouldn't they give him the program, or have whoever they hire keep him as recruiting coordinator?!?!

[ramdude]

Chris Gaston's updated profile on ESPN Recruittracker (he went from a grade of 80 to a grade of 83):

Chris Gaston | Small Forward Hometown: Newark, NJ
New Hampton School (NH)
Ht: 6'7" Wt: 210
Last Updated:2/17/2009 Data provided by Scouts, Inc.

Evaluation / Notes On the Trail / Features
Status
Signed



Scouts Grade
83

Also Considered: Evaluation
February, 2009: Gaston, with his athleticism and rapidly emerging offensive game, plays the game impressively as a face-up power forward. He has very good leaping ability and length in addition to a quick second jump, which allows him to collect a number of rebounds on the offensive end. Gaston has sneaky strength despite his wiry build, but he needs to increase his level of strength in order to play the 4 successfully on the next level. He uses this strength and leaping ability to finish plays around the hoop with his nice touch. Gaston has to continue to improve his footwork with his back to the basket to score off post-ups. Gaston also can use his quickness to drive past slower bigs and when he does, Gaston uses a very sweet, quick spin move to free himself for lay-ins. He also uses his good body control to adjust in the air for lay-ups. Though he does not rank as a great shooter, Gaston can score from the perimeter using the jump shot, especially in the 15-17 feet range. He changes ends very well and should have the ability to finish plays in transition given his good leaping ability.

[Stringer Bell]

Without DW or Grasso, the odds of Gaston and Brown coming here are between none and zero- count on it. And throw in Wright.... and Jio and Estwick and forget about Williams. Three years of hard recruiting work down the drain. Good luck to the next coach with 3 returning players and 7 walk-ons next year.   

I certainly agree that's a possibility---maybe even a strong one, but they also have reasons for being at Fordham beyond DW and Grasso---the most important one being each other.  Will they all have other options if they decide to leave Fordham?  Yes.  Will they be able to find a local school with great academics in a top conference who can assume all five (Jio, Berto, Gaston, Brown, Wright) of their scholarships at once?  Probably not.  I don't want to tempt fate, so I agree that we need to keep Grasso on board no matter what, but I think it's premature to assume their departure if we decide to bring in another coach.  I've said this before and I'll say it again.  Mike Rice was the assistant who recruited Travon Woodall to Pittsburgh.  You better believe the entire Fontan family knows and respects Rice, and if he could find a way to keep Jio, I think Jio could keep everyone else.

[fordahmballer]

I assume if Rice were considered for  the would be smart enough to do everything in his power to keep Grasso on staff!

[RAM71]

Mike Rice is not coming here. You can scratch his name off the list- Just my opinion.

[rambacker]

Mike Rice is not coming here. You can scratch his name off the list- Just my opinion.

Just to confirm - Mike Rice is interested in the job.