2025 Recruiting: Meleek Thomas Electic Boogaloo

[BigErnMcCracken]

Lol - such nonsensical hyperbole to label it as an obsession. It’s anything but.

Here’s how it works maestro / I swipe and refresh Twitter, it comes up on my feed. I share on the yard as a tidbit. Then oddballs like you take it personal.

Why post it in this thread? There's a subject heading at the top that tells you that it's not about Dybantsa.

Why not just start another thread called "Here's where the same 3 or 4 tired posters take shots at kids that aren't coming to the only program with 'soul' in America and therefore must be being 'pimped' or otherwise taken advantage of because everyone knows there's only one program for kids who want to improve and win"? You can wordsmith that if you want.

 

[bjc42]

AJ looking absolutely pumped to be in Lawrence

Aj Dybansta's dad on his visit to Kansas*

 

[superjohn]

Why post it in this thread? There's a subject heading at the top that tells you that it's not about Dybantsa.

Why not just start another thread called "Here's where the same 3 or 4 tired posters take shots at kids that aren't coming to the only program with 'soul' in America and therefore must be being 'pimped' or otherwise taken advantage of because everyone knows there's only one program for kids who want to improve and win"? You can wordsmith that if you want.

Everyone knows Dybantsa is going to the highest bidder. He shouldn't keep popping up in threads where people keep getting into pissing matches about him. He's playing his one season of college ball for the highest amount and it won't be UConn. Nobody should care about him unless we play against him down the road.

 

[dennismenace]

But if you're a 5* - why bother getting 200K more in a year when the difference in being a top 3 pick versus late first round is megabucks?

Perhaps that has to do with a common malady today of instant gratification vs building character. What they learn growing up and with wise guidance matters more over the long haul. Uconn is like finishing school (DH and staff like faculty) before going pro (although they are now pro with NIL). Bridging the gap between their youth and the real world. Also have to love the commitment from our alumni professionals who come in and stand up for the program. BTW, glad right now that all the B 12 distraction stuff is off the front burner for now. Back to school time.

 

[REB1094]

But if you're a 5* - why bother getting 200K more in a year when the difference in being a top 3 pick versus late first round is megabucks?

Because guys who come off the bench for crashing and burning teams like UK still get picked top 10, like Sheppard and Dillingham

This will change when Castle and Clingan start balling out, and hopefully McNeeley is soon to follow.

But the UConn-to-lottery pipeline is still being built. Major progress year on changing the perception, as we got 2 guys. And even the 2 guys that Cal got weren’t his top HS players. But it’ll take some time

 

[boog204]

I’ve brought this up a million times. I wonder if Steph Castle would’ve preferred 200k more and dropped outside the lottery? I’m guessing he’s pretty happy with his decision. But others prefer the instant gratification and don’t want to put in the work.

Why is there an assumption that these guys will drop out of the lottery? If Thomas goes to KState and his team goes 20-12 he's still most likely going in the lottery AND he's making an extra 200k.

 

[TheHorde]

Why is there an assumption that these guys will drop out of the lottery? If Thomas goes to KState and his team goes 20-12 he's still most likely going in the lottery AND he's making an extra 200k.

It’s not assumed, but Hurley’s (somewhat short) track record shows that he’s putting guys in the lottery and drafted well ahead of their incoming recruiting rankings would have predicted they’d go. Does K State have a track record that’s comparable under their current staff?

 

[DogMania]

Why is there an assumption that these guys will drop out of the lottery? If Thomas goes to KState and his team goes 20-12 he's still most likely going in the lottery AND he's making an extra 200k.

IMO, coaching and winning matters. Choosing a winning program will likely give top recruits more post season games (Conference and NCAA tournament games) to give NBA organizations more opportunities to view these players.

There are lots of highly ranked recruits who's stock drops as a result of bad coaching, and end up getting drafted lower than they expected, taking longer to get drafted or not drafted at all.

If a top recruit really wants to win, I don't know why they would want to go elsewhere. I kind a understand if they choose a different blue chip program where the path to PT seems better, the roster looks competitive and the NIL is very good, but going to a program like K State or other unproven programs just seems like a highest bidder situation. If winning is most important, then choosing UConn is a no brainer. If a recruit believes that they are a legit NBA prospect where getting proven coaching will help them realize that dream, being part of a possible 3-peat should be at the top of their decision making. Why choose a program where that won't be possible and miss out on such a historic opportunity and a proven chance to improve their game and draft potential?

My biggest concern is UConn missing out on most or all of their top targets to an array of top programs (or the Squid's Arkansas) that offer ridiculous amounts of NIL money, picking off one target after another. I'm not sure there are many that throw a ton of money and get a bunch top recruits, but maybe programs like Dook, KU, UK or Arkansas surprise me and do just that.

I just hope Hurley and staff land 2 to 4 of their top targets, that consist of one or two at most 1-and-doners and a couple 2 or 3 year players. Adding a 5 or 4/5 combo to fortify the post, a stretch-4 or 3/4 combo to replace AK, and one or two combo guards who can score, pass, defend and man the top of Hurley’s motion/multiple action offense. Is that asking for too much?

 

[gsmooth]

It’s not assumed, but Hurley’s (somewhat short) track record shows that he’s putting guys in the lottery and drafted well ahead of their incoming recruiting rankings would have predicted they’d go. Does K State have a track record that’s comparable under their current staff?

Kansas State having any track record of doing that? Please, not even in the slightest. But what they do have is mega bucks to provide instantly and I am sure these high level recruits are human, like the rest of us, and have the mindset of one bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

 

[FreeKlaiber]

It’s not assumed, but Hurley’s (somewhat short) track record shows that he’s putting guys in the lottery and drafted well ahead of their incoming recruiting rankings would have predicted they’d go. Does K State have a track record that’s comparable under their current staff?

IF AJ goes to BYU he still will be top 3 in draft the year after when he goes pro. Or K state. I don't think the obvious one and dones necessarily fit your argument, despite the hard coaching advantage that is becoming Hurley's NBA m.o.. As for non-5 stars, I agree with you, but with these top tier kids, not so much

 

[TheHorde]

IF AJ goes to BYU he still will be top 3 in draft the year after when he goes pro. Or K state. I don't think the obvious one and dones necessarily fit your argument, despite the hard coaching advantage that is becoming Hurley's NBA m.o.. As for non-5 stars, I agree with you, but with these top tier kids, not so much

For AJ or Flagg types, you’re right. But even other lower 5 stars, that’s still likely true. Look at Justin Edwards as another example.

 

[FreeKlaiber]

For AJ or Flagg types, you’re right. But even other lower 5 stars, that’s still likely true. Look at Justin Edwards as another example.

good example. Cam Whitmore is another.

But whats important, is how THEY see THEMSELVES. I'd hazard to guess the vast majority of 5 stars see a future paved in gold, and see themselves as one and dones ala Flagg. How many kids really are factoring in the value added bonus of coaching in their one year? From a Uconn fan perspective they all should be, but to a 17 yr old shiny things can shine and ones person logic is another persons rationalization.

 

[HuskyHawk]

It’s not assumed, but Hurley’s (somewhat short) track record shows that he’s putting guys in the lottery and drafted well ahead of their incoming recruiting rankings would have predicted they’d go. Does K State have a track record that’s comparable under their current staff?

Mitch Richmond, Michael Beasley. It won't matter for AJ. K-State is certainly good enough not to hurt his draft stock. It's not like he'd be at CCSU or something.

Is UConn still in on Thomas? Seems we went to see him, but if Mullins picks UConn Thomas is likely going elsewhere, right?

 

[TheHorde]

Mitch Richmond, Michael Beasley. It won't matter for AJ. K-State is certainly good enough not to hurt his draft stock. It's not like he'd be at CCSU or something.

Is UConn still in on Thomas? Seems we went to see him, but if Mullins picks UConn Thomas is likely going elsewhere, right?

Their CURRENT staff. Not staffs from 20-30 years ago. Those guys are not relevant to the discussion since they were not developed by THIS staff.

 

[TheHorde]

good example. Cam Whitmore is another.

But whats important, is how THEY see THEMSELVES. I'd hazard to guess the vast majority of 5 stars see a future paved in gold, and see themselves as one and dones ala Flagg. How many kids really are factoring in the value added bonus of coaching in their one year? From a Uconn fan perspective they all should be, but to a 17 yr old shiny things can shine and ones person logic is another persons rationalization.

Once enough examples are out there of guys like Castle and hopefully Liam next, the blueprint will be out there and appreciated. Guys like AJ and Flagg that are considered to be generational talents can succeed anywhere. But each class doesn’t have one or two of those. Some have none. But guys that might be the 8th-12th best guys in their class can see the blueprint and see the chance to win, develop, and move from being ranked 10th in their class to being drafted 4th overall even with foreign players in the pool.

 

[TheHorde]

Kansas State having any track record of doing that? Please, not even in the slightest. But what they do have is mega bucks to provide instantly and I am sure these high level recruits are human, like the rest of us, and have the mindset of one bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

Ask Justin Edwards or DJ Wagner how much those mega bucks helped them and if they’d like a do over.

 

[ctchamps]

good example. Cam Whitmore is another.

But whats important, is how THEY see THEMSELVES. I'd hazard to guess the vast majority of 5 stars see a future paved in gold, and see themselves as one and dones ala Flagg. How many kids really are factoring in the value added bonus of coaching in their one year? From a Uconn fan perspective they all should be, but to a 17 yr old shiny things can shine and ones person logic is another persons rationalization.

Very true. But some of them have may have a realistic assessment of their abilities. Sheppard is interesting case. It was head scratching to me why Calipari did not play him more. He obviously had the talent. There is a possibility that Reed preferred a "lesser" role to avoid risk of injury and found a coach with a philosophy that allowed him to have a reduced role. Win win for the Squid and Reed.

 

[boog204]

Kansas State having any track record of doing that? Please, not even in the slightest. But what they do have is mega bucks to provide instantly and I am sure these high level recruits are human, like the rest of us, and have the mindset of one bird in the hand is better than two in the bush.

But that's not the point. If you are a top 10 guy I honestly don't think it matters anymore. An NBA team is drafting for talent/performance not if a player was a coached up. If we're talking lower ranked guys then that's a different animal. But the top, top guys could go pretty much anywhere, play to their capability, and be drafted accordingly. Castle wasn't drafted higher because he played for us. Hell, there would some saying he was overrated (here even) early/mid season because he wasn't putting up huge numbers.

 

[TheHorde]

Very true. But some of them have may have a realistic assessment of their abilities. Sheppard is interesting case. It was head scratching to me why Calipari did not play him more. He obviously had the talent. There is a possibility that Reed preferred a "lesser" role to avoid risk of injury and found a coach with a philosophy that allowed him to have a reduced role. Win win for the Squid and Reed.

You can’t knock him for talent evaluation. That kid was grossly underrated coming out of high school. Cal of course had a built in advantage with Reed’s dad having played at UK and winning a title. Nonetheless he clearly saw the potential in the kid.

 

[boog204]

It’s not assumed, but Hurley’s (somewhat short) track record shows that he’s putting guys in the lottery and drafted well ahead of their incoming recruiting rankings would have predicted they’d go. Does K State have a track record that’s comparable under their current staff?

Again not the point... Hurley has had one "huge" recruit since being here, Castle. The question was if he would regret going after 200k elsewhere but then not being a lottery pick. You're assuming that if he chased the $$ his stock/talent would somehow drop.

If Thomas or AJ or other top 10 guy goes to KState or Fresno St or... and play to their card, they're still going to be a lottery pick. If the argument is that DH our excellent coaching staff takes 2-3 year players and makes them better than KState then I agree. But that wasn't the original point.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

I think it's smart for UConn to not throw around the highest level of NIL dollars. Being competitive but not the highest is a solid way to ferret out the guys who aren't willing to bet on themselves and their own work ethic.

 

[FreeKlaiber]

And if you’re a parent, you want your kid going somewhere that is going to instill the discipline and work ethic to take advantage of the talent. The real jackpot is the second NBA contract. So super short sited to make one year college choices based on dollar amounts that will be a night out on Crystale if it all works out.

Lucky Uconn is the only school teaching discipline and work ethic ( Izzo is soft lol) Too bad these 5 stars dont think more like middle age Uconn fans on the keyboard at work. Soon some of these kids will commit to Kansas, and people will start talking nil is the only reason lol.

 

[superjohn]

Again not the point... Hurley has had one "huge" recruit since being here, Castle. The question was if he would regret going after 200k elsewhere but then not being a lottery pick. You're assuming that if he chased the $$ his stock/talent would somehow drop.

If Thomas or AJ or other top 10 guy goes to KState or Fresno St or... and play to their card, they're still going to be a lottery pick. If the argument is that DH our excellent coaching staff takes 2-3 year players and makes them better than KState then I agree. But that wasn't the original point.

We can't say for certain Castle would've been drafted #4 or if he would've dropped if he went elsewhere because he didn't go elsewhere. We do know top kids in his class Isaiah Collier, Justin Edwards, Aaron Bradshaw, Ja'Kobe Walter, DJ Wagner, Aday Mara, Elmarko Jackson went elsewhere and dropped. I think Castle's game and his draft stock benefitted by playing for this coaching staff and starting for the best college basketball team of the modern era.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I wish I could stay away from this thread. I just can’t :/

 

[gsmooth]

But that's not the point. If you are a top 10 guy I honestly don't think it matters anymore. An NBA team is drafting for talent/performance not if a player was a coached up. If we're talking lower ranked guys then that's a different animal. But the top, top guys could go pretty much anywhere, play to their capability, and be drafted accordingly. Castle wasn't drafted higher because he played for us. Hell, there would some saying he was overrated (here even) early/mid season because he wasn't putting up huge numbers.

I was simply responding to the prior post about why players would choose K-State even though they don't have a track record of putting players in the NBA lottery. For many 5-stars their opinion of themselves, correctly or incorrectly, is that they will be future NBA stars, so what is the determining factor for them to choose a school? It's the money, because most of them think they need minimal training and coaching or that higher money offer more than offsets whatever benefit they would get for better coaching. For guys like Flagg and Dybansta, it doesn't really matter where they go, they will be top 5 picks next year in the NBA draft-something would have to go horribly wrong for them this season for them not to be top 5 picks next year.