Tracking Our *CURRENTLY* Signed/Committed Recruits

[JohnG92]

Are we recruiting Majok for next season as a JUCO transfer?

[alanccrx]

Are we recruiting Majok for next season as a JUCO transfer?

          C'mon... give us all a break... please!

[bigmike06]

Why are we rehashing this again?  It does not matter how good Majok was or is because he would not be playing on our team  this year regardless of who we hired.  He did not qualify, along with Lawhorn.  James turned out to be what many of said, not A-10 material.  Armand looks to be a nice player, but like we said he is not a program changer as he was billed.  But so what, what is the point of going back through this again?   

+1. Seriously, who cares about this now?  This is a thread to discuss signed/committed recruits.  You know, players who will actually be coming to Fordham (assuiming they qualify). If you want to go to your fantasy land and discuss the maybes, coulda beens and potential for guys who aren't at Fordham, aren't coming to Fordham and never will be, take it to a different thread. 

[85]

Well, Mike, since we have not actually signed anyone for next year, that takes half of the thread out.

Now as to committed, can anyone enlighten us on our 3 verbal commits? 

Classic response, yes let's beef up the thread about our signed recruits when we havent actually signed anyone!  Maybe this thread should be a giant flat line!

[ace93]

Well, Mike, since we have not actually signed anyone for next year, that takes half of the thread out.

Now as to committed, can anyone enlighten us on our 3 verbal commits? 

Classic response, yes let's beef up the thread about our signed recruits when we havent actually signed anyone!  Maybe this thread should be a giant flat line!

A flat line is fine.  I think what people don't get is why Majok was being brought up again.  I think your point is that people over hype things in this thread and while that is true, I don't think they will change, much less b/c of this.

[85]

Well, we track Fahro, we track Lawhorne we have tracked Armand and other commits and de-commits........Air Jamaica......also at a JUCO Now ( Blinn College?)  certainly seems in the spirit of the thread to track former commits or near commits but of course, we can talk about our signed recruits:  "                                          " 

[85]

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

Of course we could fill the thread with more of this non-descript insanity..........

[bigmike06]

A flat line is fine.  I think what people don't get is why Majok was being brought up again. 

Completely agree.  I'd rather a "flat line" 90% of the time, so that when I see a "new" next to the tracking our signed/committed recruits thread, it'll be news about a player currrently committed/signed thereby justifying my piqued interest.  It's a bummer when you expect to read something new about the latest exploits of Fay, thomas or leonard, when it's really another post about Armand "Air Jamaica" Freeman-Majok. 

*(Note: I realize that I am now guilty of committing the same sin I just railed against.  I pray for the forgiveness of my Fordham brothers and sisters, will say a few hail marys, and try not to do it again)*

[WalterVarian]

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/sports/ci_19952999

Mandell Thomas had 24 points in a win over South Kent School yesterday.

[joeb]

finally some good news

[97Ram]

A separate article on the development of Thomas.  Getting excited about the way he's apparently developing.  I also like that he's playing with and against some top-flight talent.  Here's a couple of highlights (full article below):


Already committed to a Division I program in the Atlantic 10's Fordham, Mandell Thomas does a bit of everything well and, as he showed Sunday afternoon, he's capable of putting a sluggish team on his shoulders for a stretch.

An athletic slasher, Thomas showcased every facet of his game in the win. The scouting reports on the future Ram always note his athleticism and ability to get to the rim, which Thomas did multiple times in the game. But the guard's commitment to putting together a well-rounded skill set was apparent, as he drained several outside jumpers and was tenacious both on the boards and defensively.


http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/highschoolsports/ci_19960241

[WalterVarian]

Isn't it funny how everyone was going crazy when we signed another PG. 

[ace93]

I definitely like what I'm hearing.  Even more so b/c of the level of competition.  At the same time I want to temper my enthusiasm b/c until he produces at Fordham, none of this matters much and I just feel like we've been burnt too many times.

[85]

Do we know if he is qualified yet?  Looks like a nice player.

Walt, let's revisit that issue when Bristol is gone next year........... 

It does seem as if the swingman/small forward type is not in the Pecora mix at all......the 6ft 5 6ft 6 guys other than perhaps the kid at Hayes........I don't see Dominique having the skill set for that role......

[02grad]

Nice to hear that Thomas has continued his solid play.  As I mentioned last month when I saw him in the Big Apple Classic, he looked like the real deal and had a real sense of maturity along with an all around game.  He in no way was outshined by Cassell Jr. or Myles Davis who are both much more highly recruited. . . in fact I would argue that he outplayed them and certainly showed that he was a more multidimensional player.  He also played 40 minutes and his tenacity on the boards and on defense never waivered.  I cannot see how he would not step right in and play 15-20+ minutes though will be interesting given all of our guards next season with a healthy Short.

[NYRam07]

Nice to hear that Thomas has continued his solid play.  As I mentioned last month when I saw him in the Big Apple Classic, he looked like the real deal and had a real sense of maturity along with an all around game.  He in no way was outshined by Cassell Jr. or Myles Davis who are both much more highly recruited. . . in fact I would argue that he outplayed them and certainly showed that he was a more multidimensional player.  He also played 40 minutes and his tenacity on the boards and on defense never waivered.  I cannot see how he would not step right in and play 15-20+ minutes though will be interesting given all of our guards next season with a healthy Short.

Maybe Fatty sees decreased minutes..

[WalterVarian]

I'm just happy to divert the convo to something more interesting than Majok.. was that brutal or what?

[Rich93]

Nice to hear that Thomas has continued his solid play.  As I mentioned last month when I saw him in the Big Apple Classic, he looked like the real deal and had a real sense of maturity along with an all around game.  He in no way was outshined by Cassell Jr. or Myles Davis who are both much more highly recruited. . . in fact I would argue that he outplayed them and certainly showed that he was a more multidimensional player.  He also played 40 minutes and his tenacity on the boards and on defense never waivered.  I cannot see how he would not step right in and play 15-20+ minutes though will be interesting given all of our guards next season with a healthy Short.

Short will likely get Estwick's minutes.  Hopefully, Thomas comes in and can do what Samuell was supposed to do this year, spell Fatty at the point and also play some mintues at the 2 for Frazier.  Right now we have 4 guards who play significant minutes.  I think the plan is to have the addition of Short and Thomas get that number up to 5.  There are a 120 minutes for the guards in our system, even if they all play equal minutes that is 24 a game for all 5.  I hope Thomas continues to excel at ND Prep.  

[b.mann]

Also like what I'm hearing about Thomas. We are really guard heavy on the roster next year with 7 schollies as things stand now, and somebody won't be playing. We really need some size unless Leonard turns out to be a diamond in the rough. The following year, with only Gaston leaving as far we know, and with Fay coming in, we are going to be really deficient numbers-wise in the frontcourt. Of course, there are always those who may choose to leave...I really hope that Dominique gets a second long look next year because I think he may have a lot to offer yet. GO RAMS!

[ace93]

We are starting to diverge a bit from the topic and heading back to the 3-guard offense conversation.

[WalterVarian]

I want to check out Thomas. Is he playing in tri state area anytime soon?

[CTRam12]

Who else offered Thomas a schollie?

[WalterVarian]

Look it up.

[NYRam07]

Who else offered Thomas a schollie?

Does it really matter? People put too much into who else offered someone to quantify how good of a player they are. Over 300 Division 1 teams passed on Jeremy Lin and 27 NBA teams thought he was no good - 2 cut him and now 1 is reaping the benefits. I get why people do this, but we've had this discussion at length before... if anyone real good offered him be probably would be going there. We need to score a few under the radar kids before we can really attract the top tier A-10 talent.

[ace93]

So instead of looking at it as a negative, which just like NYRam07 I understand why people do, let's just go with the idea that he is flying under the radar, having a good prep year and very well could be getting more offers had he not committed to us. 

Of course, it's just a verbal, so for all we know he'll soon get a better offer and take it.  Right now, based on what I have been reading lately, I hope that does not happen.

[rambacker]

Does it really matter? People put too much into who else offered someone to quantify how good of a player they are. Over 300 Division 1 teams passed on Jeremy Lin and 27 NBA teams thought he was no good - 2 cut him and now 1 is reaping the benefits. I get why people do this, but we've had this discussion at length before... if anyone real good offered him be probably would be going there. We need to score a few under the radar kids before we can really attract the top tier A-10 talent.

+1.  Well put, 07.

[John]

I'm one of Fatty's harsher critics, but I'm not ready to give up on the guy, not by a longshot. There's talent there, and I'd like to see it playing without being hobbled by injury. I'd also like to see that talent playing a more controlled and focused game. As a true pass-first, shoot second PG, I think Fatty would prosper. Coach Pecora may have overestimated his ability to contribute in diverse ways as a freshman, especially against A-10 level, experienced talent.

Kevin Anderson was almost pathologically unwilling to shoot. But with him running the point, we had a good assists-to turnover ratio, the ball generally got into the right hands for the game situation, and his man got defended well. Next year, I hope we see Fatty's role channeled into his strengths, even if that means cutting down his freedom on the court. I think, in time, the shooting will come. But it's sure not here yet.

Find one unheralded prospect, turn him into an NBA player, that's quite an accomplishment for a coach. Do it twice, that shows a special ability for talent evaluation. I trust Pecora on guards.

[85]

+1.  Well put, 07.

Yea right,  someone who has spent years posting endless drivel about who else is offering each recruit, now jumping on the under the radar bandwagon.....stay tuned! 

[PA Ram]

I'm one of Fatty's harsher critics, but I'm not ready to give up on the guy, not by a longshot. There's talent there, and I'd like to see it playing without being hobbled by injury. I'd also like to see that talent playing a more controlled and focused game. As a true pass-first, shoot second PG, I think Fatty would prosper. Coach Pecora may have overestimated his ability to contribute in diverse ways as a freshman, especially against A-10 level, experienced talent.

Kevin Anderson was almost pathologically unwilling to shoot. But with him running the point, we had a good assists-to turnover ratio, the ball generally got into the right hands for the game situation, and his man got defended well. Next year, I hope we see Fatty's role channeled into his strengths, even if that means cutting down his freedom on the court. I think, in time, the shooting will come. But it's sure not here yet.

Find one unheralded prospect, turn him into an NBA player, that's quite an accomplishment for a coach. Do it twice, that shows a special ability for talent evaluation. I trust Pecora on guards.

I agree.  I think we're so conditioned to players either not staying here for all 4 years or else not developing one iota during their time here that we assume 'what you see is what you get' with regard to Fatty.  I think he's going to be tremendous - kid is only a true frosh (despite being a bit older).  With even a small amount of development he'll be a very good PG imo.  Better development than that and I think he can be great. 

[Rich93]

Just because we are recruiting another PG does not mean that we are giving up on Fatty.  Samuell was the guy who was supposed to get a lot of minutes backing him up and that has not happened.  I think bringing in another PG is more of a reflection on Samuell than it is on Fatty.