You nailed that one
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
Kcmatt7 said:
I think they are going to be in for a rude awakening. He is plenty athletic enough to be a OAD. But he is like really bad at basketball lol. He has no left. His shooting form has a little hitch to it and his elbow is a little funky. He doesn't look to have good enough post moves to score at the college level.
He has about a 5% chance to be a OAD imo. And that is if he works his ass off.
Yeah I found the comments confusing. Nnaji is definitely a NBA talent down the road, I'm just surprised they see it so soon. He is a talent that's improved a ton in the last year. They must be banking on him continuing to improve at a rapid rate..
wissox said:
Wetzel's latest article on the trial doesn't make us sound very good.
A lot better then what Pat Forde would have wrote
Update: Zeke Nnaji: Wants to be a OAD according to quoted article
Nnaji moving toward decision
Four-star power forward Zeke Nnaji is someone who has had a busy process, but now he is finishing things with a kick as he is set to take five official visits in five weeks.
The two schools that seemingly had the best chance going into the visits, Arizona and Kansas, are also the schools he is visiting first.
This creates a scenario where it is at least possible that Nnaji could commit after this weekend. Since Nnaji visited Kansas this past weekend, and is visiting Arizona this weekend, that has to at least be considered a possibility.
It seems as though it is a fairly remote possibility since the Nnaji family has been all about process, and the process is to take five visits and then decide in November.
Because the circle around Nnaji is so tight, getting concrete information isn’t easy, but there is no doubt Arizona and Kansas are schools he is very high on. Both head coaches at those schools have done a good job of building a relationship, and each seems to provide Nnaji with what he is looking for.
Nnaji is absolutely focused on being in school for one year, so the path presented to him and his father will be important in that regard.
Blurb on the Spanish Pro Team talk that popped up about De Sousa. Looks like that issue has already been cleared by KU & NCAA. Explains why it took so long to get his amateurism cleared
Also Wednesday, while a KU compliance director took the witness stand, he was asked by a defense attorney about De Sousa at one point signing a contract with a pro team in Spain. But a U.S. assistant district attorney told the court that KU obtained NCAA clearance after including evidence from handwriting experts who could not conclude the signature on that contract and another with a sports agent was not De Sousa’s.
BShark said:
In a recent article on Rivals Greg Brown said KU is among the 5 schools watching his games the most along with UK, Texas, A&M and UCLA.
Did UVs to UT and A&M. Not taking recruiting too seriously yet. Focusing on improving as a player. Doesn't plan to do any JR OVs.
I really hope KU is in this one. Along with Cade Cunningham and Julian Strawther this kid is one of my absolute favorite players in the loaded 2020 class.
If recent history continues with Baker in the 19 class Brown is basically Shaka's right?
I know Brown has had interest in KU for a while but we seem to lose these battles to the home town school.
Would be a great addition next year, POGO STICKS central
So we officially learn the car Billy Preston had/crashed was in his gradmother's name who passed away in Florida.
Remember that daily fiasco trying to figure out who owned the car etc.
Preston's momma a real piece of work. Glad KU saw through her
BShark said:
My dislike for Wolken greatly predates today btw
Absolutely is a turd bucket
Gassnola testified that he paid $2,500 to Silvio De Sousa’s guardian and that he became aware that a University of Maryland booster was providing $60,000 to De Sousa’s guardian, Fenny Falmagne. Gassnola was set on trying to pay $20,000 to Falmagne — then the FBI case went public.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) October 11, 2018
Gassnola recruited De Sousa to play at Kansas but did NOT pay the $20,000.
Relationship began after KU asst Kurtis Townsend asked Gassnola to connect Falmagne with Adidas, as Falmagne was looking for the Angolan Natl Team to get product/gear from Adidas.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) October 11, 2018
Gassnola said he had a “brief, brief conversation” with Bill Swf about this but said he kept payments to De Sousa’s guardian secret from Self and Townsend.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) October 11, 2018
Very true. We survived without.
At least since Preston, KU has signed high character players (that we know of)
BigBad said:
If Preston doesn't wreck the car does he play?
I believe so, he also had a curfew issue but that was just a 1 game thing right?
Kcmatt7 said:
@BeddieKU23 I think Bill just recruits who he likes, period. And has faith in his staff that they won't do anything shady so that nothing falls back on them regardless of how idiotic parents and family can be.
Preston had a lot of well known issues without his family being involved. Bouncing high schools, character flags, academics to name a few. We truly bent down to get him to play here. The reward has been what?
I guess my point is we recruit some high level character players that seem to reflect the character of our coach. When we recruit the Preston's of the world I don't understand the logic.
Kcmatt7 said:
@BeddieKU23 Of course we would still be in the same boat if we landed Ayton apparently.
While true we were the only real blue blood to sniff around his recruitment for years. How we didn't take the high road on his issues is beyond me. Why were other coaches smarter?
Kcmatt7 said:
But $2,500 sure seems like we could get out of that one. 3 game suspension lol. Whatever Sexton got.
Did the 2500 help him become eligible academically. Could be a bigger issue?? Honestly don't know
So Gassnola says he never gave 20k to Fenny but gave him 2500 for online courses. Also says none of this was discussed with KU coaches. Interesting stuff
Woodrow said:
Sounds like Nicole Player Billy's mom is a really piece of work. Also scum.
Her son is Jesus so yeah this isn't groundbreaking.
Why we ever recruited him to begin with is really the bigger problem. His issues were well known
BShark said:
Imagine being a Maryland fan that thinks Bruno wasn't paid.
Jeff about to go nuclear on KU over it lol
Woodrow said:
Gassnola testified that SDS was paid $60,000 by a Maryland booster and needed to pay it back in order to go to KU. Gassnola offered $20,000 to help but said he never paid it. Did pay him $2500 on a separate issue.
Payed Fenny?
Woodrow said:
Gassnola was adamant that nobody on the KU staff knew about payments.
Good news
Update: Matthew Hurt canceled plans to attend Big Blue Madness. Reports of him going were false. Still plans to visit them at some point
BShark said:
BeddieKU23 said:
So what are the chances Self gets out of today's testimony without any bombshell allegations against him?
Looking good so far tbh
Yeah but they haven't gotten to Silvio, Preston's KU/Adidas involvment yet either it looks. Right?
Kcmatt7 said:
@BeddieKU23 Summary so far:
- Nas Little offered $150k to go to Arizona. Laranaga (supposedly) said they wanted him at Miami, so they ponied up.
- Delivered $40k in cash to NC State Assistant Coach in person.
- Paid $15k to a Deandre Ayton relative to give to Deandre as a sweetener trying to sway him to Adidas.
Thanks. All this just what TJ is saying or actual evidence supplied in each case?
So what are the chances Self gets out of today's testimony without any bombshell allegations against him?
BShark said:
Things are heating up as expected.
Anything good?
Kcmatt7 said:
@BeddieKU23 Many of the things today have been recorded phone calls and text messages. So, pretty believable it seems.
Interesting. I'm just wondering how credible he will be, there's a lot going on with this guy
Just reading all the stuff he's done was pretty crazy.
Then find out where he lives is within 30 minutes of my hometown.
My good friend that is connected with Brewster Academy knows TJ, had some unflattering things to say about him and his 'ways'.
Kcmatt7 said:
Ok Gassnola's testimony and phone calls/texts are kinda crazy. Sounds like Laranaga and NC State Assist. coaches had direct contact and knowledge. Also sounds like Gassnola is throwing everyone under the bus he possible can. This is probably the most important testimony for both sides.
Given he's already pleaded guilty and has a mutiny of other charges he could be facing in the future, how credible is anything he is going to say without the paper trail going to be believed?
He bulked up to 225 which helps him. But if Silvio actually can play there's probably only end of half minutes for him.
BShark said:
@BeddieKU23 Penny is definitely making waves. Time will tell if he can coach or not.
Got lucky with a veteran team this season.
BShark said:
Silvio ends up sitting because of eligibility. Agbaji and Mitch don't play. Very clean 9 imo.
Could happen. Mitch would play if Silvio is out though. I can't imagine Self only roles with 3 bigs but that's where KJ's versatility comes into play.
Update: Precious Achiuwa changed schools and was a surprise visitor at Memphis for their Late Night festivities. Andrew Slater put in a Crystal Ball pick for Memphis.
BShark said:
History indicates about 8 guys will separate themselves and Self will favor playing those guys especially in big/tight games.
That would be disappointing given the depth.
If the Starting Lineup is say - Dotson, Grimes, Vick, Dedric, Doke.
Who's the next 3? An eligible Silvio (6), KJ, (7), Marcus (8).
I know sustaining 12 guys playing every game is not happening. But I think Self is going to have to find a way to play at least 9, 10.
As far as I know no media allowed. The one's tweeting about the trial can only do so once their is recess
HawkChamp said:
@JayHawkFanToo I am remaining hopeful that we can get enough from Charlie, Vick and KJ.
Grimes & Dedric as well. Those 5 should make up the bulk of the volume and makes for this team. Devon & Marcus will have their share of attempts as well but its a wait and see how much they have improved in that area
It also looks like KJ has improved his perimeter shooting as well. His shot looked smooth and natural in the Late Night scrimmage. He could be another pleasant surprise there.
Good stuff. Agree
BShark said:
BeddieKU23 said:
BShark said:
I don't see any Frank in Moore. Frank was a lot more athletic.
I get the scoring guard comparison but it stops there. Frank has developed into a legitimate PG now, his play for the Kings already in the pre-season shows that
I think Moore could grow into a good player for sure but their games are a lot different.
I do hope he toughs it out too though. I think he's much closer to Andrew White than Cunliffe, Whitman, Maxwell.*
*This is just from a good at basketball stand point and not player type of course.
Agree, Charlie is a good basketball player. It was evident at Cal he was good enough to play almost anywhere despite his size. He has skill and I think his ability to score, make perimeter shots has a role on this team this season. At Cal he was fearless getting into the lane and either taking the shot or setting up teammates despite his size (a Frank comp in a way). We've seen some footage of him at KU setting up the bigs already which is the start of the transition I wanted to see out of him.
I highly suggest anyone who's high on Charlie to find some actual game footage of him at Cal. He's not a traditional PG, Self has pointed this out for anyone who will listen. It's a role I do think he can develop into as we've seen Frank & Devonte do recently. Be patient.
Kcmatt7 said:
I mean we have Zeke, JRE and Stanley all deciding by the end of November. So I'm glad he is making them the priority.
I would say that getting a bunch of Juniors in for a game like Nova would be dope. Bring in like 5 together. Definitely make it all about the hype and atmosphere this visit. And then basketball the next one.
I agree the current class is more important and you run the risk of planning too far ahead without knowing what you can sell.
Duke is a bit different from even KU in how they recruit/build their roster. Just pointing out that an elite school such as KU can definitely get younger kids on officials. Definitely could have been the case for Bryce Thompson who's got ties to the program and visited for Late Night.
BShark said:
I don't see any Frank in Moore. Frank was a lot more athletic.
I get the scoring guard comparison but it stops there. Frank has developed into a legitimate PG now, his play for the Kings already in the pre-season shows that
BShark said:
BeddieKU23 said:
In General, I've seen the KU fanbase on both ends of the spectrum regarding Charlie.
You have those that think he'll start the season because of his experience both at Cal and his 1 year with the KU program. He has seniority over Devon, something that we've seen play out in his favor in the past.
I've seen those who think he won't amount to much here based on anything from his size, his HS ranking, his shooting metrics at Cal etc.
In his favor at the minimum, Self took him into the program without hesitation. Everything we've heard about his character and work ethic has been A++. The Lawson's might be here only a year but Charlie most likely ends his career a Hawk 3 years from now. Will be exciting to watch his development here
I'm actually worried Moore ends up transferring again. Might be completely unfounded though. Can't wait for the season to get here and see how Self goes with minutes.
I have that worry as well with how the rules are for grad-transfers. I hope he sticks it out as I think he'll make a big impact on this team as a Jr & Sr. Have stated that many times
Kcmatt7 said:
BeddieKU23 said:
He can play point guard, but I still think he’d be better if he had a point guard in the game with him.”
That is why I don't think he will get much time. Are we better with Charlie on the court wtih Dotson. Or Dotson with Garrett/Vick/KJ/Grimes combo? That group is just so long and talented that I can't see Moore playing much.
I agree although I do think Charlie plays somewhere in the 12-18 minute range. His scoring ability should get him on the court, I view his role similar to Vick's two seasons ago when Self used him off the bench.
JayHawkFanToo said:
Frank Mason was a SG in HS and a volume scorer but his role changed at KU and worked out great for him.
If Charlie is on a similar career arc to Mason then I find it unlikely that he's KU's starting PG this year. Self's comments all but said he's not focused on him as the primary PG on this team.
Let's not forget Frank took years to transition his role into the scoring/facilitating machine he was as a Sr.
Whoever wins the gig is a win/win for KU and its fans. We have depth at the position and the competition for the spot should benefit everyone
Kcmatt7 said:
@BeddieKU23 what is the new rule? Do they get to take another one their senior year?
Juniors can take official visits and still take five more as Seniors. I believe the total is now 15 overall.
Duke for example has 3 Junior five star recruits coming in this month. At least two of them are considered Duke leans at this time.
Honestly, feels like a missed opportunity with the new rules. There's plenty of prospects interested in KU, I hope we see if any want to take an early visit
Added per your good request
Did you see Self's comments yesterday about Charlie?
“The thing about Charlie that people might not understand is people equate him to being a point guard just because he’s not very tall,” KU coach Bill Self recently told the Journal-World. “But the bottom line is this dude can score. He’ll play some point for us, but he’ll probably play every bit as much off the ball. He can play point guard, but I still think he’d be better if he had a point guard in the game with him.”
wissox said:
BeddieKU23 said:
Did you see him play at Cal at all?
I think I watched a little once. However, I did see him in person once as well. It was at a holiday tournament in Chicago and while I had no knowledge of anyone on the floor at the time, immediately as the game began his skill became very clear. He stood out and was playing in a game on a team that would win state in Illinois that year.
Must have been cool to reflect now on him now that he's a Hawk.
I watched a handful of Cal games his freshman year. A few of them Charlie was very good, on a bad team. His role at KU will be completely different then what he had at Cal so it will be interesting to see how he's adjusted to life under Bill Self. I expect we'll see some good flashes from him.
Signed
Low 4 STAR Combo Guard Issac "Mackey" McBride
Low 4 STAR SG/SF Christian Braun
Offers have Visited
5 STAR PF Matthew Hurt
5 STAR PF Precious Achiuwa
4 STAR SG/SF Cassius Stanley
Offers, haven't visited Campus
4 STAR Combo Forward Tristan Enaruna
4 STAR Combo Guard Harlond Beverly
In General, I've seen the KU fanbase on both ends of the spectrum regarding Charlie.
You have those that think he'll start the season because of his experience both at Cal and his 1 year with the KU program. He has seniority over Devon, something that we've seen play out in his favor in the past.
I've seen those who think he won't amount to much here based on anything from his size, his HS ranking, his shooting metrics at Cal etc.
In his favor at the minimum, Self took him into the program without hesitation. Everything we've heard about his character and work ethic has been A++. The Lawson's might be here only a year but Charlie most likely ends his career a Hawk 3 years from now. Will be exciting to watch his development here
wissox said:
Funny to me to hear people here, (not on this discussion today) but in general to be not very high on Charlie Moore. This kid is really very good and I think will be a key performer, probably off the bench.
Did you see him play at Cal at all?
Against Michigan St I expect Self will start his freshman. It's on National TV, its a recruiting thing. Everyone is watching.
Unlike past years we don't have a warm-up game before Sparty. Winston is a tough,tough matchup for a freshman off the bat but its exactly the situation you want to see how Devon responds.
If Moore is in the game it sounds like another ball handler will be in as well. Expect either Devon or Q to be playing primarily with Charlie at all times
BShark said:
Lol, Vitale.
Even better, his next post was saying he's calling the opener vs Michigan St. No surprise but be prepapred