2020 Recruiting: Seth Towns grad transfer

[TheChamps990411]

It's arguably a greater area of need. We are adding a 7' guy in Javonte Brown Ferguson and a 6'9-10" guy in Springs. I'm assuming Carlton will return. Akok is absolutely starting at the 4 next year. So while I like Cliff's build and physicality, is Hurley going to use him? If he's going to run the offense and defense the way he does this year, Javonte Brown Ferguson may be better than Cliff in that system.

You didnt explain how Towns is a better fit. Btw imo if Cliff comes here he would start.

 

[superjohn]

This is pretty simple, if Cliff and Towns both want to come here you take both. You show Cliff tapes from the past few games and he knows he will be starting down low.

 

[UConnStats]

It's arguably a greater area of need. We are adding a 7' guy in Javonte Brown Ferguson and a 6'9-10" guy in Springs. I'm assuming Carlton will return. Akok is absolutely starting at the 4 next year. So while I like Cliff's build and physicality, is Hurley going to use him? If he's going to run the offense and defense the way he does this year, Javonte Brown Ferguson may be better than Cliff in that system.

Well he’s better than Carlton, Javonte Brown Ferguson, and Springs, so yes Hurley would use him.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Cliff would earn the starting job in practice. We do have lots of big depth, but the best player will win out. Cliff is the best player.

 

[CbbisGreat]

You take Towns in a minute. Even if the unlikely happens and cliff wants to come here another scholarship will open upcome here

 

[HooperScooper]

Can everyone who wants Towns repeat after me:
1). He hasn't played in a game since the 2017-2018 season, where he averaged 16 points and 5.7 rebounds in the Ivy League. He hasn't played in a game in 2 years!
2). He's having his 2nd knee surgery in 2 years. 2nd knee surgery in 2 years!

It's not like he's freaking LeBron James. Would he help if he was completely healthy and wasn't out the last 2 seasons? Heck yeah. But what's the chance he brings what he did 2 years ago to UConn?

Again, just my opinion based on the facts we know. I'll trust the coaching staff to make the proper decision based on complete information, which we don't have.

 

[Watchdog]

Interesting reaction in this thread - I seem to remember not so long ago how much criticism there was about recruiting injured/injury prone players. This guy hasn't played in 2 years and just had knee surgery - are we really that desperate as a fan base that we will waste a 2 year scholarship onan unknown. Sure when healthy he was good - but how long will rehab take and will he still be the same player?
And dont tell me this is different than Durham, Gilbert or Diarra

And who can forget Kassoum Yakwe?

 

[krinklecut]

And who can forget Kassoum Yakwe?

who?

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Can everyone who wants Towns repeat after me:
1). He hasn't played in a game since the 2017-2018 season, where he averaged 16 points and 5.7 rebounds in the Ivy League. He hasn't played in a game in 2 years!
2). He's having his 2nd knee surgery in 2 years. 2nd knee surgery in 2 years!

It's not like he's freaking LeBron James. Would he help if he was completely healthy and wasn't out the last 2 seasons? Heck yeah. But what's the chance he brings what he did 2 years ago to UConn?

Again, just my opinion based on the facts we know. I'll trust the coaching staff to make the proper decision based on complete information, which we don't have.

I don't understand how anyone can argue against bringing him in if he will come and if his injury is at least likely healed. Here are my reasons why:

1. He's a winner. Out team needs a veteran leader who is a winner. (He's likely smart too)
2. He's a versatile do everything basketball player at 6'7". He shoots, he dribbles, penetrates, passes he's a complete basketball player. We desperately need that kind of player.
3. Jackson will be a freshman. Sure he looks great. But we were excited about Sid and many thought he'd start freshman year. Suggesting Andre is a plug in starter is a very big stretch. Learning from Towns would help him. Polley is terrible at the SF position and is a better stretch 4.
4. We are out of time to start winning. No freshman we are likely to get (maybe Cliff) is going to have anywhere near the impact on winning in 2020-21 that Towns could have.

I am not saying Towns won't win where he ends up. However a 36-24 record in his two years without an NIT win doesn't scream winner at the college level. Simply going to Harvard and graduating doesn't make you a winner in life or anything else. He was part of a highly highly touted Harvard recruiting class that underachieved. There is speculation Towns was just gaming the system @ Harvard with the full intent to secure 2 years of eligibility as a grad transfer elsewhere. His whole rehab (if you want to call it that) and timing of various steps in the recovery process lead me to believe the rumors may have some merit.

It will be interesting to follow Bryce Aiken the rest of the season. I do think Aiken will play again because the only reports have been a sprained ankle. I think and I am guessing he has played maybe in five games this year? He hasn't been in the lineup lately. He is probably weighing his options.

In fairness to both though the culture surrounding the program (IL) enables this. No question his name will put him at the top of the Grad Transfer market due to his Freshman year stats and 4* status out of high school. He should be able to choose anywhere. Maybe another coach can bring out that dawg in him that in my opinion was clearly missing at Harvard.

 

[navery12]

Can everyone who wants Towns repeat after me:
1). He hasn't played in a game since the 2017-2018 season, where he averaged 16 points and 5.7 rebounds in the Ivy League. He hasn't played in a game in 2 years!
2). He's having his 2nd knee surgery in 2 years. 2nd knee surgery in 2 years!

It's not like he's freaking LeBron James. Would he help if he was completely healthy and wasn't out the last 2 seasons? Heck yeah. But what's the chance he brings what he did 2 years ago to UConn?

Again, just my opinion based on the facts we know. I'll trust the coaching staff to make the proper decision based on complete information, which we don't have.

I completely get the skepticism but I can't stress enough how good I think Towns is. Half a season of him in 2 years I think is worth it, and I would be willing to bet he gives us more than that

 

[HuskyHawk]

You didnt explain how Towns is a better fit. Btw imo if Cliff comes here he would start.

And everyone thought Sid would start. And Bouknight. Cliff is a 4 star. He’s not Wiseman. he might not even beat out Javonte Brown Ferguson or Springs, let alone Carlton. You think Dan Hurley is going to sit a senior who has started two years? Maybe, but it’s not his normal approach.

Our weakest position, by a wide margin, is small forward. Yes, Jackson is coming but he will be a freshman. Towns gives us ball handling, shooting, rebounding and passing at the 3. Currently Polley gives us just shooting and Sid just rebounding.

That said, both would certainly be fine. I do think we will see a transfer

 

[husky429]

And everyone thought Sid would start. And Bouknight. Cliff is a 4 star. He’s not Wiseman. he might not even beat out Javonte Brown Ferguson or Springs, let alone Carlton. You think Dan Hurley is going to sit a senior who has started two years? Maybe, but it’s not his normal approach.

Our weakest position, by a wide margin, is small forward. Yes, Jackson is coming but he will be a freshman. Towns gives us ball handling, shooting, rebounding and passing at the 3. Currently Polley gives us just shooting and Sid just rebounding.

That said, both would certainly be fine. I do think we will see a transfer

I'm guessing you haven't watched both Cliff and Javonte Brown Ferguson play. Cliff would eat him for pre-game snack, forget about a real meal.

 

[superjohn]

And everyone thought Sid would start. And Bouknight. Cliff is a 4 star. He’s not Wiseman. he might not even beat out Javonte Brown Ferguson or Springs, let alone Carlton. You think Dan Hurley is going to sit a senior who has started two years? Maybe, but it’s not his normal approach.

Our weakest position, by a wide margin, is small forward. Yes, Jackson is coming but he will be a freshman. Towns gives us ball handling, shooting, rebounding and passing at the 3. Currently Polley gives us just shooting and Sid just rebounding.

That said, both would certainly be fine. I do think we will see a transfer

Bouknight should be starting and Kofi absolutely would be starting over Josh. Javonte has huge upside but Cliff is a lot more ready right now.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I'm guessing you haven't watched both Cliff and Javonte Brown Ferguson play. Cliff would eat him for pre-game snack, forget about a real meal.

Bouknight should be starting and Kofi absolutely would be starting over Josh. Javonte has huge upside but Cliff is a lot more ready right now.

I’ve seen clips. I’m just never sold when I hear that any freshman is just going to come in and start at this level. Very few are really that good. I’d love to see him come here and hope he’s as good as you all expect.

Bouknight should be starting for sure. We will find out soon.

 

[husky429]

I’ve seen clips. I’m just never sold when I hear that any freshman is just going to come in and start at this level. Very few are really that good. I’d love to see him come here and hope he’s as good as you all expect.

Bouknight should be starting for sure. We will find out soon.

I'm not disagreeing with that part. I think Carlton probably starts, with Springs quickly off the bench. Possibly Javonte Brown Ferguson or the other recruit too. I do like that springs can play 4 or 5. His versaility could be big in the next few years.

 

[Griggs]

I do believe that senior Jordan Bruner of Yale will graduate with a year of eligibility left.6-8 power forward who can score and rebound. Can also run the floor.

 

[JSB60]

I do believe that senior Jordan Bruner of Yale will graduate with a year of eligibility left.6-8 power forward who can score and rebound. Can also run the floor.

Yes, he will graduate, has a year of eligibility, and will transfer because he is ineligible under Ivy League rules. He dominated against UNC in a close loss and would be a great pickup.

 

[UConnStats]

Yes, he will graduate, has a year of eligibility, and will transfer because he is ineligible under Ivy League rules. He dominated against UNC in a close loss and would be a great pickup.

He’s great, but I think blue bloods will be on him.

 

[husky429]

I do believe that senior Jordan Bruner of Yale will graduate with a year of eligibility left.6-8 power forward who can score and rebound. Can also run the floor.

One of the leading shotblockers and can hit the 3 too. Really good passer as well. I've seen them practice a few times--great leadership qualities.

Not sure he'd look at a rebuilding uconn with akok though.

 

[UConnStats]

One of the leading shotblockers and can hit the 3 too. Really good passer as well. I've seen them practice a few times--great leadership qualities.

Not sure he'd look at a rebuilding uconn with akok though.

I really do like the idea of them as our frontcourt after seeing what we’ve done with a “traditional center” this year. But still, we’d be a tough sell for the reasons you outlined.

 

[Huskybass]

This belief that we're slumming to go after a smaller conference POY because he wasn't highly rated coming out of high school is absurd. They don't give those away and they're much better indications of success than how someone looked as a 16 year old. True for Cole and true for Towns.

Cole is SO much better than people here realize. I am loving Cole and Gaffney at the point next season. Once Gaffney gets his confidence, he will be an impact player. He is very athletic, and due to the ankle injury we haven't seen that...yet.
Gaffney will be a damn good backup point guard as a Soph.

 

[Caronimo]

I’m hearing we have a very good shot with Towns if we want it

 

[Dooooooomed]

So is the "big fish" Cliff or someone else??

And give me Towns all day everyday. Scholarship openings be damned!

 

[Caronimo]

So is the "big fish" Cliff or someone else??

And give me Towns all day everyday. Scholarship openings be damned!

Take all the talent we can get. I believe we’ll have room. Hurley isn’t going to mess around preparing for year 3.

 

[Bonk]

Jordan Bruner would be fantastic and Kevin Marfo (Quinnipiac) would be a solid grad transfer option. Marfo leads college basketball in RPG.
And I think Towns is 100% a guy to go after and take a chance on him staying healthy.

 

[WrenchFan69]

Jordan Bruner would be fantastic and Kevin Marfo (Quinnipiac) would be a solid grad transfer option. Marfo leads college basketball in RPG.
And I think Towns is 100% a guy to go after and take a chance on him staying healthy.

URI under Hurley recruited Marfo hard out of highschool

 

[UConnStats]

I’m hearing we have a very good shot with Towns if we want it

 

[HooperScooper]

Btw, there is also a section titled "Sit-out transfers eligible for the 2020-21 season" and Cole is 12th.

2. RJ Cole, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, PG, RS Sophomore, UConn (from Howard)
One of the most productive players in college basketball last season, Cole will look to translate his numbers at a higher level in the AAC. He averaged 21.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists.

 

[Get a Job]

Cole will look to translate his numbers at a higher level in the AAC.

No he won't.

 

[ToolzieFan]

Thanks for posting. I don’t know if he’ll want to come here. And I don’t know if he’ll be healthy. But the idea of us not wanting him if we think he’ll be healthy is crazy.