2025 Recruiting: Mathew Able

[Glastonhusky]

If we hit hard for an experience PG in the portal with size, how will that effect AN?

We simply need depth at PG, someone with experience and size. If AN works hard over the summer and wins the starting job next season, so be it.

 

[DogMania]

I equate recruiting to always keeping the train moving, especially at the PG position. This means always trying to bring in multi-year players that fit the system who can learn from players already playing at a high level within the system. Kemba-Bazz-Boat come to mind.

Unfortunately, we had a gap this year in that although Diarra played behind Newton, he's not the prototypical big athletic guard that fits the system. Although Hass has played very well when healthy, the succession parts, Mahaney and Nowell, have yet to pan out and don't fit the profile.

Also note that last year they had a ton of talent with lots of position versatility. Although Newton usually played the majority of the game and was exceptional at staying out of foul trouble...hum...it's still a head scratcher how this team is a 180 difference from last season when it comes to defending without fouling, but I digress...they always had plenty of ball handlers with Diarra, Castle, Cam, etc...filling in when Tristen wasn't on the floor.

Up to this point in the season, we just don't have the horses to keep the level of play high when either a couple of our main contributors aren't playing well or are sitting on the bench.

Getting back to my point, I think it is critical to bring in two big lead guards (PG-Combos) preferably that have at least two years of eligibility. I think they could get away with a ready to jump in 1 year portal transfer and a 2+ year high school player.

I've posted this so many times, that it rarely works out when you rely on a 1-and-done freshman point guard to lead your team. Just look at John Calipari's track record. It's just a matter of time within the NCAA tournament when your star freshman point guard shoots you right out of the tournament, trying to impress all the NBA GMs and scouts. You want to make sure your primary lead guard can handle the pressure and make winning time plays when needed.

With all the young talent coming in along with some solid returning talent, it's imperative that Hurley and his staff bring in the right lead guards this time.

I remember drinking the positionless basketball coolaid. I guess that works as long as you have 2 or more with plus-handles and players who can defend multiple positions. At times this season positionless basketball equates to having multiple players who can't play atequately at any position.

 

[KembaStepback]

I equate recruiting to always keeping the train moving, especially at the PG position. This means always trying to bring in multi-year players that fit the system who can learn from players already playing at a high level within the system. Kemba-Bazz-Boat come to mind.

Unfortunately, we had a gap this year in that although Diarra played behind Newton, he's not the prototypical big athletic guard that fits the system. Although Hass has played very well when healthy, the succession parts, Mahaney and Nowell, have yet to pan out and don't fit the profile.

Also note that last year they had a ton of talent with lots of position versatility. Although Newton usually played the majority of the game and was exceptional at staying out of foul trouble...hum...it's still a head scratcher how this team is a 180 difference from last season when it comes to defending without fouling, but I digress...they always had plenty of ball handlers with Diarra, Castle, Cam, etc...filling in when Tristen wasn't on the floor.

Up to this point in the season, we just don't have the horses to keep the level of play high when either a couple of our main contributors aren't playing well or are sitting on the bench.

Getting back to my point, I think it is critical to bring in two big lead guards (PG-Combos) preferably that have at least two years of eligibility. I think they could get away with a ready to jump in 1 year portal transfer and a 2+ year high school player.

I've posted this so many times, that it rarely works out when you rely on a 1-and-done freshman point guard to lead your team. Just look at John Calipari's track record. It's just a matter of time within the NCAA tournament when your star freshman point guard shoots you right out of the tournament, trying to impress all the NBA GMs and scouts. You want to make sure your primary lead guard can handle the pressure and make winning time plays when needed.

With all the young talent coming in along with some solid returning talent, it's imperative that Hurley and his staff bring in the right lead guards this time.

I remember drinking the positionless basketball coolaid. I guess that works as long as you have 2 or more with plus-handles and players who can defend multiple positions. At times this season positionless basketball equates to having multiple players who can't play atequately at any position.

Newton was so good. Calming nature, hit big shots, knew how to drive and draw contact...he was also an excellent rebounder. Missed him a lot this yr. Diarra is perfect for that spark off the bench and he plays hard but the knee sapped some of his energy for sure.