Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) Good question. It's a little different question now, with Trent here, and something like 11 or so offers outstanding right now. Here's my dream list, if you had to put a gun to my head (and only counting folks with offers at this point) in order: 1. Bawa Muniru 2. Latavious Williams/Terrance Shannon 3. Aaron Dotson/Brandon Reed 4. Brandon Mitchell 5. Eddie Ludwig I know that's not technically five, but it shows you how a class of five could develop. We are desparately in need of a big guy, and I like the potential of Muniru in Trent's system. To go along side him, you've got some pretty good PFs that are in the mix, but I think Williams or Shannon gives you that athletic guy down low along side Muniru. On the wing, you've got a lot to choose from. Part of me wants Mitchell to honor his commitment to LSU, he's part of the "family" with Tas', and he's a top LA guy. However, if his heart isn't in the hoops, I think you've got to look at kids like Dotson or Reed from out of state (both consistently good scorers). For some of the same reasons I list Ludwig. I think good, solid kids from LA (particularly N.O.) have to feel welcome at LSU, and for that reason, I'd like to see Ludwig sign. He may not jump out at you with SEC level athleticism, but I just have a feeling this kid will surprise folks and be a good influence on the team. (What's interesting is this kid Hobson. Seems very similar to, maybe an older version though, of Ludwig. 6-7 to 6-8 guy who isn't super athletic, but is smart, good court vision and can knock down a shot---again, seems like Trent is trying to build a team with certain components.) When you look at the list though you realize Trent and his staff have been active. You land 5 of any of the guys he's offered, and I think you've got a decent class to build on for '10. :geauxtige LSU IS A BASKETBALL SCHOOL. BE PART OF THE TRENT JOHNSON ERA.
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) Here's some tidbits: -Terrance Shannon named a top 4. LSU is not one of them. -Here's a free Latavious Williams article on scout. The more I read about him the less I think he'll end up here, though I really hope he does. And, hey, his coach listed LSU first, right? http://kentucky.scout.com/2/777159.html -Bawa Munuri cut USC, so that eases the competition a little.
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) Yeah, I saw the Kentucky Scout article on Williams from earlier in the month, but all that article points out is Kentucky's new interest (along with all the other schools). LSU at least has Chris Bass, Brandon Bass (some known familiarity) and other things going in its favor. No doubt, it's still a long race there, but with Tas', Chris Johnson, and a host of other frontline players leaving, you've essentially got front court depth of our new freshmen class (Storm Warren, Delwan Graham and Dennis Harris) to contend with as Juniors for Williams. And, really, will Latavious play more PF (like Warren) or more SF (like Graham). Kentucky will be loaded with some of the recruits that they've recently gotten committed. As for Bawa cutting USC, not sure where you saw it, but that's good news. :lol: Scout also reports that Eddie Ludwig is planning his "official" visits. Don't know if that includes LSU, but perhaps folks can comment... http://louisianastate.scout.com/a.z...http://louisianastate.scout.com/2/779711.html
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) LSU will be one of Ludwig's officials. But I am hearing he is really waiting for Vandy to offer. Academics is the most important criteria for his decision and I hear Davidson and Vandy will be the real threats to take Ludwig. However, it helps that he is a LSU fan.
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) That's good that he's visiting LSU. I had also heard that he was leaning towards Vanderbilt, but this is the first time that "academics" was brought up as the criteria. Not saying that this isn't the case, but Rivals reports that Eddie sports a 2.8 GPA at Country Day :huh:. I would have said that he was leaning towards Vandy and Davidson b/c of their style of play and the kinds of players they use in their systems. What's tough about the rep of a LSU is the day in and day out grind against players who are athletic to the pro level--what I hope to see from Trent is a better brand of smart basketball go with those athletes. I'm not knocking Vandy, but they have yet to reach the final four with their brand of ball, and I'm not sure that's ever going to change. Davidson is an interesting choice given recent success... but that's largely due to one NBA player's son, Stephen. :lol:
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) This just in from Rivals. Another small forward gets an offer from Trent. Brad Reese, a JUCO kid going to school in Florida but who spent time in LA, sports offers from several schools including 'Bama and LSU from the SEC. The kid is 6'6" and really has blown up this summer in the JUCO circuit... http://lsu.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=79955 Also, looks like Trent's staff is calling on a point guard from Dallas--5'11" Javarez Willis. No offer yet from LSU, but he sports offers from several mid-to low majors. Sounds like a crafty quick PG. http://lsu.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=77046 Looks like there might be back ups if kids like Eddie and Brandon fall through.
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) Looks like with the start of football season, visits for basketball recruits are picking up. Two listed in the next few weeks http://louisianastate.scout.com/a.z...http://louisianastate.scout.com/2/781353.html Juco Brad Reese http://louisianastate.scout.com/a.z...http://louisianastate.scout.com/2/781316.html Aaron Dotson Wouldn't mind seeing Dotson in purple and gold!
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) Dexter Fields set one up, but hasn't picked a date yet. It's great to see all of these guards interested in LSU. By the way, whatever happened to Jeremy Jacob, the 4 star PF that wanted to transfer to LSU from UGA?
Re: Hoops Recruiting (2009) If i remember correct he's going the JUCO route and hoping LSU will give him a scollie. He's getting a medical redshirt so he has four years left.
