After last week's verbal commitment from 6'8" power forward Trevor Mbakwe, Tom Crean is left with one more tender for the 2007 freshman class. So, who will join Mbake and the talented Scott Christopherson as freshmen in 2007?
There's plenty of Internet chatter about Keaton Nankivil's upcoming decision. Nankivil indicated earlier this summer that he would decide before his senior year began. He'll choose between Marquette, Boston College and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Without a doubt, a Mbakwe/Nankivil frontline would be the envy of any coach in the country. Given the loads of talent that MU has in the pipeline, particularly in the backcourt, high-ceiling post players like Nankivil and Mbakwe could potentially become impossible matchups at the next level.
Waiting in the wings are Idris Hilliard, Jerai Grant, DeJuan Blair, and George Goode though its unclear if MU has offered a scholarship to any of these players (Scout.com indicates that MU has not extended an offers any of these players -- yet).
A new name to appear on MU's radar is 6'5", 230 pound PF Tim Flowers from Chicago Simeon. Per this Bullseye blurb, Flowers has apparently attracted plenty of attention from MU after his strong performances last month.
Mbakwe, Nankivil, James, McNeal, and Matthews.
ReplyDeleteAll are ranked as top 100 recruits according to various ranking services. I do think that such a starting line up, if they can stay together for the 2008 season, will be capable of a final 4 run! I just hope Nankivil makes the right choice!
Should have checked Rivals.
ReplyDeleteMU has offered Hilliard, Grant, Blair, and Goode.
I know this is an MU blog but even as an MU fan I found this over the top.
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt, a Mbakwe/Nankivil frontline would be the envy of any coach in the country. Given the loads of talent that MU has in the pipeline, particularly in the backcourt, high-ceiling post players like Nankivil and Mbakwe could potentially become impossible matchups at the next level.
I seriously doubt that a front line of KN and tM would be the "envy of any coach in the country" and i don't see them as creating "impossible matchups at the next level"
They are good players but neither of these guys is Greg Oden or Tyler Hansbrough.
I think Nankivil and Blair are the best players overall. I would go after Nankivil first simply because he's in-state which boosts chances and because he's obviously already down to three choices. Blair may be an even better player though, and it would be nice to land such a highly regarded prospect, but I think it's a long shot. Goode is more of a small forward, but his shooting ability fits right into the system and he would be a good backup to Hayward and could fill Fitzgerald's spot starting in '08. It really seems like Hilliard, Grant, and Flowers are tier 2 players. I'd just as soon take another talented guard than a tier 2 big guy, or just wait until spring and get a tier 2 Juco player since they're already developed and will only be around for two seasons.
ReplyDeleteI get your point about "Mbakwe/Nankivil frontline would be the envy of any coach in the country" . . its a speculative statement to be sure. And what's wrong with a little enthusiasm :-)
ReplyDeleteLook, given the enormous talent in MU's backcourt, it will be difficult for any team to double down on the Golden Eagles' players. With a solid diet of one-on-one matchups, high-ceiling post players could have a field day in MU's faster paced offense.
Given MU's roster makeup, its propensity to recruit outstanding backcourt players, and the talent level of Mbakwe and Nankivil -- why not?
thx for your comment
I believe that the statement envy of any coach in the country is very close to truth. Both are big bodies but are not slow which in creans offense will help them immensely. If they come in together they could form a very rare combo of TWO talented big men in the same year rather than only one. If crean pulls this off...marquette is going to be a very very fast basketball team. Oh and for those interested check out http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2545711...little blurb out mu.
ReplyDelete