Big East Leads Power 6 in Early 2021 Recruiting

[HooperScooper]

UConn lands Class of 2021 shooting guard Jordan Hawkins | Zagsblog

By ADAM ZAGORIA Jordan Hawkins has known […]

www.zagsblog.com

“Coach Hurley, the coaching staff over there is a really good coaching staff. I feel like those guys bring the best out of me. The Big East is a great conference. I feel like the conference is best for me. They got a good recruiting class going there. Me and Rahsool Diggins, we can be one of the top backcourts in the country. We can make some noise.”

Nope, never mentioned the conference. Lol

 

[HooperScooper]

I think they all did as well, and I think it’s true that it had a positive impact. I also think it’s telling that when Jordan Hawkins wrote an article in his own words titled “This is why I committed to Connecticut”, conference is brought up exactly 0 times. It’s all about his relationship with the staff, his belief they can get him to the league, and his chance to play with other players on the team.

I just reread that article and honestly he didn't get into too many specifics on why he chose UConn besides the general points that he loved the coaching staff, they understood his desire to be in college only 1-2 years before going to the NBA and the talent in the program and coming into the program. So things you mentioned as important, but just because he didn't mention the Big East in that one article doesn't mean it wasn't very important to him. He did mention it in other interviews as pointed out above.

I don't think conference affiliation is the most important aspect that goes into most recruits' decisions, but it does seem to be one of the many. And all recruits don't look at the many selling points to a school the same way. But because most or all of the recent commitments mentioned the Big East, it has to be at the very least one of the aspects they used in their decision or else they wouldn't have mentioned it at all.

 

[7774]

“Coach Hurley, the coaching staff over there is a really good coaching staff. I feel like those guys bring the best out of me. The Big East is a great conference. I feel like the conference is best for me. They got a good recruiting class going there. Me and Rahsool Diggins, we can be one of the top backcourts in the country. We can make some noise.”

Nope, never mentioned the conference. Lol

Well that’s a different article. The one I linked was written by Jordan himself, not Zags. And I already agreed that conference made a difference. And even this article mentions Hurley and the staff first.

Good one though.

 

[auror]

View attachment 58499

I have a feeling UConn's numbers are included in the AAC and not Big East #s based on the conference size there.

Have to at least subtract UConn's numbers from AAC if just wanting to judge independently of us, or add us to Big East if you want to compare new situation to old.

 

[Deleted at users request]

It's currently not a problem (and don't really expect it to be a big one going forward) but do we know if Hurley will be able to recruit nationally? So far it seems like we are doing great in the Mid-Atlantic area (MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, etc.). But will we be able to pull guys from FL, TX, CA, etc. in the future?

 

[MuchoDogYears]

Zagsblog quote from Hawkins:

“The Big East played a big part because the Big East is a great conference,” he said. “It’s a perfect conference for me and my playing style. Playing against top competition like Villanova, Marquette, Seton Hall, it’s definitely big.”

 

[HooperScooper]

Well that’s a different article. The one I linked was written by Jordan himself, not Zags. And I already agreed that conference made a difference. And even this article mentions Hurley and the staff first.

Good one though.

Dude, come on. Now you're just being ridiculous to stick to your point that he didn't mention it in that one article. So Zagoria made up the quote? If you want to die on that hill then go right ahead. You might be dead after reading these quotes. Lol

You're going to make me do this, aren't you? (sigh) Yes he mentions coaches prominently in each article but I never said that wasn't a major aspect in the decision making. I just said that most of UConn's recruits mention the Big East in their decision so it must be a major reason in their decisions. You said it's way down the list.

247Sports article:
Another big factor in Hawkins decision was Connecticut’s recent inclusion in the Big East. After several years away, the Huskies are now back in their familiar league, and that played a big role in what Hawkins ultimately decided.

“Playing in the Big East was big for me,” said Hawkins. “I feel it is the perfect conference for me and my playing style. I am going to go against the top teams and the top players in the country every single game.”

Connecticut lands second four-star in Jordan Hawkins

Connecticut has landed their second four-star commitment in the 2021 class in the form of top 50 prospect Jordan Hawkins.

247sports.com

Courant article:
“Coach Hurley, coach Hunter were the best coaches for me,” Hawkins told the Courant after making his decision. “UConn was the best place, style wise, the Big East Conference is a great conference. Connecticut is a great place, a great state. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans.”

UConn men’s basketball team lands commitment from 2021 guard Jordan Hawkins

The UConn men’s basketball program added its second recruit from the Class of 2021, as guard Jordan Hawkins announced his intention to join the program Friday morning. Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 sho…

www.courant.com

 

[huskiesNhoos]

I have a feeling UConn's numbers are included in the AAC and not Big East #s based on the conference size there.

Have to at least subtract UConn's numbers from AAC if just wanting to judge independently of us, or add us to Big East if you want to compare new situation to old.

They are (included in AAC). This is from beginning of 2019-20 NBA season so also doesn't account for roster turnover over the course of the season.

I think this argument is stupid I'm merely throwing some numbers into the mix and then sitting back with my popcorn

 

[XLCenterFan]

Kapow!

 

[7774]

Dude, come on. Now you're just being ridiculous to stick to your point that he didn't mention it in that one article. So Zagoria made up the quote? If you want to die on that hill then go right ahead. You might be dead after reading these quotes. Lol

You're going to make me do this, aren't you? (sigh) Yes he mentions coaches prominently in each article but I never said that wasn't a major aspect in the decision making. I just said that most of UConn's recruits mention the Big East in their decision so it must be a major reason in their decisions. You said it's way down the list.

247Sports article:
Another big factor in Hawkins decision was Connecticut’s recent inclusion in the Big East. After several years away, the Huskies are now back in their familiar league, and that played a big role in what Hawkins ultimately decided.

“Playing in the Big East was big for me,” said Hawkins. “I feel it is the perfect conference for me and my playing style. I am going to go against the top teams and the top players in the country every single game.”

Connecticut lands second four-star in Jordan Hawkins

Connecticut has landed their second four-star commitment in the 2021 class in the form of top 50 prospect Jordan Hawkins.

247sports.com

Courant article:
“Coach Hurley, coach Hunter were the best coaches for me,” Hawkins told the Courant after making his decision. “UConn was the best place, style wise, the Big East Conference is a great conference. Connecticut is a great place, a great state. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans.”

UConn men’s basketball team lands commitment from 2021 guard Jordan Hawkins

The UConn men’s basketball program added its second recruit from the Class of 2021, as guard Jordan Hawkins announced his intention to join the program Friday morning. Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 sho…

www.courant.com

You keep saying "that one article", as if there is not a massive difference between an article HE WROTE HIMSELF to talk about why he committed, vs. all the other articles that have quotes based upon questions he was asked by reporters.

Of course I don't think Zags made up the quote, I think he asked Jordan what role the Big East played in his decision, or how big a factor the Big East was, or what do you think of the Big East, and he gave those quotes, like literally everyone would, because they are true and because there is zero value in saying anything else.

I'm sure the Big East was a big factor, just not as big a factor as the things he brought up in the article he wrote, which is the point.

 

[HooperScooper]

You keep saying "that one article", as if there is not a massive difference between an article HE WROTE HIMSELF to talk about why he committed, vs. all the other articles that have quotes based upon questions he was asked by reporters.

Of course I don't think Zags made up the quote, I think he asked Jordan what role the Big East played in his decision, or how big a factor the Big East was, or what do you think of the Big East, and he gave those quotes, like literally everyone would, because they are true and because there is zero value in saying anything else.

I'm sure the Big East was a big factor, just not as big a factor as the things he brought up in the article he wrote, which is the point.

Actually you're the one who keeps bringing up the ONE ARTICLE HE WROTE HIMSELF as the sole evidence that the Big East was not a factor in his decision. So exactly what did he bring up in that article as the biggest factors in his decision? You haven't said. I've pointed out that declaration is more important than omission as evidence.

Are you a lawyer? Most of the lawyers I know who when they're wrong but think they're right, on even the littlest things, will not give up in their position despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

I can't believe I jumped in on this thread by saying, "Not that I want to get in the middle of this debate....." Lol

 

[ChrisSmithsPart]

Coaches constantly recruit on the strengths of their conference and also negative recruit against other programs because of the "weaknesses" of their competition's conference. Conference affiliation also has an impact on how easy it will be for your friends and family to see you play live which is a huge factor for many recruits. Conference affiliation even will impact your TV exposure and even how your games are marketed by whichever network, which is another factor for high level recruits. No way it's that low a priority for the majority of recruits.

 

[7774]

Actually you're the one who keeps bringing up the ONE ARTICLE HE WROTE HIMSELF as the sole evidence that the Big East was not a factor in his decision. So exactly what did he bring up in that article as the biggest factors in his decision? You haven't said. I've pointed out that declaration is more important than omission as evidence.

Are you a lawyer? Most of the lawyers I know who when they're wrong but think they're right, on even the littlest things, will not give up in their position despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

You know I've said multiple times that the Big East was a factor in his decision right? I mean you have to be able to grasp that mulitple times in this thread I've stated it was a postive factor, just not one of the most important ones.

You already brought up all the factors he mentioned in his article. I really need to repeat them even though you already stated them in this thread? I guess I can, but you already said them, so.....maybe just look at that post. It was the one where you were pretending his article was "vague".

No I'm not a lawyer. And no, there is not overwhelming evidence that conference is incredibly important. Daniel Hamilton, Jalen Adams, Alternique Gilbert, Akok Akok, James Bouknight, etc. wouldn't have signed with us if it was.

 

[XLCenterFan]

Daniel Hamilton, Jalen Adams, Alternique Gilbert, Akok Akok, James Bouknight, etc. wouldn't have signed with us if it was.

I love all of those guys, but think of the players we missed out on because of the conference.

You’re taking shots right now and it’s not tequila. There’s no shame in conceding.

 

[HooperScooper]

You know I've said multiple times that the Big East was a factor in his decision right? I mean you have to be able to grasp that mulitple times in this thread I've stated it was a postive factor, just not one of the most important ones.

You already brought up all the factors he mentioned in his article. I really need to repeat them even though you already stated them in this thread? I guess I can, but you already said them, so.....maybe just look at that post. It was the one where you were pretending his article was "vague".

No I'm not a lawyer. And no, there is not overwhelming evidence that conference is incredibly important. Daniel Hamilton, Jalen Adams, Alternique Gilbert, Akok Akok, James Bouknight, etc. wouldn't have signed with us if it was.

It's impossible to argue on the internet when you're not being logical or responding to evidence. Think whatever you want. I can't argue with a crazy person.

 

[7774]

It's impossible to argue on the internet when you're not being logical or responding to evidence. Think whatever you want. I can't argue with a crazy person.

I'm the only one being logical. You're wondering if we could have gotten our foot in the door with this year's recruits if we were in the AAC, even though Hurley signed the exact same level of recruits when we were in the AAC.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I'm the only one being logical. You're wondering if we could have gotten our foot in the door with this year's recruits if we were in the AAC, even though Hurley signed the exact same level of recruits when we were in the AAC.

You’re using a good recruiting class as the baseline, saying it would be the norm. But you’re failing to consider the players we didn’t get. Also, who’s to say this years class all comes here if we’re in the American? Hurley can recruit, yes, but it’s unrealistic to assume that our recruiting would have been just as good, if not better, in the AAC vs the BE, long-run and overall. And are you really the only one being logical?

 

[HooperScooper]

I'm the only one being logical. You're wondering if we could have gotten our foot in the door with this year's recruits if we were in the AAC, even though Hurley signed the exact same level of recruits when we were in the AAC.

I'm not sure why I'm doing this but here goes. I started out politely but then you wouldn't acknowledge a quote from Hawkins because it's not what you believe.

You posted that Jordan Hawkins didn't commit to UConn using the Big East as one of the reasons because in that article he wrote he didn't mention the Big East. So in your mind that clearly means he didn't care about the Big East.

I posted an article where he clearly said the Big East was "big" for him. But you're so entrenched in your view that you refuse to acknowledge what Hawkins did say and instead cling to what he didn't say.

You're sticking to your guns no matter what anyone says, or what evidence anyone presents, so it's not worth arguing with you.

 

[HooperScooper]

Zagsblog quote from Hawkins:

“The Big East played a big part because the Big East is a great conference,” he said. “It’s a perfect conference for me and my playing style. Playing against top competition like Villanova, Marquette, Seton Hall, it’s definitely big.”

Zagoria made Hawkins say that with how he framed the question.

 

[auror]

I love a random internet argument even more than the next guy, but even you guys must be bored by this.

 

[HooperScooper]

I love a random internet argument even more than the next guy, but even you guys must be bored by this.

You're right. But does anyone else also think it's strange that 7774 has dug in his heels so hard on this despite the evidence people presented?

I have a hard time letting things go when people think they are right no matter what evidence is presented. I guess I'm just as guilty for keeping this alive.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

To me, and it’s just me opining, I believe that year after year the top 20 players coming out of HS all go to a school in a major BB conference.

Whether or not being in the AAC vs the BE has made a difference for Hurley when recruiting we don’t have hard empirical evidence to back either position.

However there is no denying the hard empirical evidence that every year the 5 star players, at least those in the top 20, all go to one of the schools in the top BB conferences.

Which conclusively indicates that conference is a primary factor for these level of players. A 3 and 4 star player has been more open to going to other conferences but not the 5 star.

Duke is Duke. 5 star recruits year after year. But Duke is longer Duke if it’s in the AAC.

Conference not only matters for the top recruits. It’s a must.

 

[Get a Job]

To me, and it’s just me opining, I believe that year after year the top 20 players coming out of HS all go to a school in a major BB conference.

Whether or not being in the AAC vs the BE has made a difference for Hurley when recruiting we don’t have hard empirical evidence to back either position.

However there is no denying the hard empirical evidence that every year the 5 star players, at least those in the top 20, all go to one of the schools in the top BB conferences.

Which conclusively indicates that conference is a primary factor for these level of players. A 3 and 4 star player has been more open to going to other conferences but not the 5 star.

Duke is Duke. 5 star recruits year after year. But Duke is longer Duke if it’s in the AAC.

Conference not only matters for the top recruits. It’s a must.

While I agree with your conclusion, I find your analysis to have major correlation/causation issues. There are other factors that may make many power conference teams attractive for a top player besides the name of the conference of which said teams are members.

 

[Kitaman]

Big East needs to continue the push as the premier B-Ball conf. They should ease up on the foul calling and recapture that hard nose tough east coast basketball vibe again.

Be careful what you wish for.

The chat room would go ballistic becoming unmanageable and unreadable.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

While I agree with your conclusion, I find your analysis to have major correlation/causation issues. There are other factors that may make many power conference teams attractive for a top player besides the name of the conference of which said teams are members.

Yes. But those other factors only come into play for 5 star recruits if the school is in one of the major conferences.

 

[Get a Job]

Yes. But those other factors only come into play for 5 star recruits if the school is in one of the major conferences.

Not true. Memphis needs to pay for their 5-stars just like everybody else

 

[bendm]

Sources: Bryce McGowens decommits from Florida State

Guard Bryce McGowens has decommitted from Florida State, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[JBTWarrior]

This would be ideal, but realistically we probably need to come to terms that the NBE, will never be the OBE. Best thing to do is get in there and reclaim the throne, then we can shape the new identity.

Big East now is better than ever. True hoops conference, double round robin season and rivalries. Maybe not the best from UConn perspective, but the rest of the conference would never want to go back.

 

[XLCenterFan]

NEWSFLASH...calling @7774. Gotta troll you here buddy.

Great Hurley quote in today's Courant: "Our first recruiting class, when there was no hint of the Big East, was Bouknight, Akok, Gaffney, and Cole. So we were already recruiting at a very high level, but the (move) certainly has enhanced that."

Do you need a dictionary definition of "certainly" or "enhanced?"

 

[Dean Wormer]

Big East now is better than ever. True hoops conference, double round robin season and rivalries. Maybe not the best from UConn perspective, but the rest of the conference would never want to go back.

Surely you're not suggesting this version compares with the BE of Georgetown, SJU, Cuse, UConn, Louisville, Pitt, Marquette, WVU and Nova which dominated cbb year-in and year-out? Right now the new BE is Villanova and the 7-8 Dwarfs. Creighton, Xavier, and Butler are good programs but they don't compare with the powerhouses of the old BE. Not saying this version isn't good and won't get better, but they're not there yet.