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.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Probably not strong interest, but interesting we at least contacted him.

Would be sweet to snare Able, but he's already set up visits with Tennessee, Alabama and Baylor.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

He's a great player. Been watching him all year. He played 2 years of D2 so only a year of eligibility I think

If he ends up in the portal, Stirtz will be one of the top guards, for sure.

6'4 180 PG that averages 19p/4r/6a/2s, efficient 55 2P%/38 3P%/79 FT%, ability to attack the rim and currently the 76th highest efficiency rating in the nation, per KenPom. Defensive metrics, pet EvanMiya, are above average too.

 

[Ewekon]

Not all that surprising. He’s a big guard. Rumor is staff is going much bigger and older next season. His age would be the surprising part

Does Karl Krauser have any eligibility left?

 

[UCTitleTown]

Does Karl Krauser have any eligibility left?

Or R.J. Cole?

 

[HuskyHawk]

We need a proper 4 that can rebound and bang heads inside.

Don't be too surprised if Tarris Reed is that in some lineups next year. Paired with Reibe who can shoot from outside that could work. It would be a problem against teams with quick 4s, but it can still work.

 

[UCan3]

Perplexed that we are showing interest here. I would think having four freshmen on board already for 2025 we would concentrate on hitting the portal hard for a stud PG and a four man who can guard.

watching St. John’s it reminded me that regardless of the players we get we need those with a “motor’ willing to guard and play defense and blanket cover people when they need to and be able to beat people off the dribble when they have to. And of course they need to be able to handle the rock under pressure.Someone like Shabazz Napier or boatright would be perfect preferably both

 

[boog204]

OK. I just watched some Stirtz highlights. Looks a little like Cam. My one concern is the level of competition. He may be athletic and savvy enough to handle the athleticism of the competition in the MVC. But how will he look when he moves up? He as more size than Mahaney, but I bet Mahaney would have a really nice highlights reel if he played the season in the MVC rather than the Big East.

It's kinda impossible to predict. I thought the jump from St. Mary's to us would not be that big. But it has been an enormous jump from a physical standpoint. At the same time, Cam was at Loyola for a couple of years before making the jump, and there were no issues. RJ also jumped up from a low D1 and ended up being an all-BE caliber player his senior year.

Stirtz looks like he can play. I like how he uses pace/hesitation to create space and openings. Cam was an absolute master at that. While I think he's garnered some NBA interest, I'd be surprised if he would go pro. He would be a perfect fit at the PG here. And full disclosure, I said the same thing about Aidan, so I know nothing.