SF Vance Jackson (Signed LOI on 11/11)

[DogMania]

Yep, top 75 is more accurate.

Scout 63
Rivalsa 72
24-7 44
ESPN 49
24-7 composite 51

Top 75 is certainly a range where you get a talented player. But you simply can't go by the rankings. They're just not indicative of how good the player will ultimately turn out. But it's a good barometer though. I trust KO's judgement on what's the best decision for his program. I'm just simply sharing my opinions on this. When I got to see Gabriel play a tournament game on TV, I was very impressed and really wanted to land him badly. I think he's going to be a very special player at the college level and possibly at the NBA as well. One of the recruiting gurus posted recently on one of the national recruiting boards that Jackson had a very disappointing summer. Again that's one person's opinion, but something that concerned me. Maybe he was coming off an injury or something. While Gabriel rocketed up the rankings and is highly regarded by just about everybody.

 

[DogMania]

Gabriel is a really good prospect but some people are trying to turn him into Garnett. Kid is good but the whole 6'10 shooting guard thing just isn't there, just because Durant and Dirk could pull it off doesn't mean everyone can.

I did not make that comparison whatsoever. I simply see him as a very talented recruit that has a lot of upside. What that upside might be, I don't know. I think he's going to be a handful on both ends of the floor and would be an excellent fit for our program.

 

[Yankees32123]

Top 75 is certainly a range where you get a talented player. But you simply can't go by the rankings. They're just not indicative of how good the player will ultimately turn out. But it's a good barometer though. I trust KO's judgement on what's the best decision for his program. I'm just simply sharing my opinions on this. When I got to see Gabriel play a tournament game on TV, I was very impressed and really wanted to land him badly. I think he's going to be a very special player at the college level and possibly at the NBA as well. One of the recruiting gurus posted recently on one of the national recruiting boards that Jackson had a very disappointing summer. Again that's one person's opinion, but something that concerned me. Maybe he was coming off an injury or something. While Gabriel rocketed up the rankings and is highly regarded by just about everybody.

Of course if we all could choose, 99% would pick Gabriel. But recruiting doesnt work like that. Gabriel is a long shot at this point, IMO, and Vance seems excited about UConn and possibly ready to commit. This is a no brainer.

 

[UConnSwag11]

a 6'8 kid who can shoot the ball from the start. Take him bc he can always improve on his handle and everything else. Just like daniels. Either one would be great but if jacksons ready to commit, get him. Also ollie has a vision with the type of kids he's bringkng in. stretch the floor, open it up, and run is what it looks like. I can't wait

 

[caw]

The composite ranking is #51, so no, top-75 is not more accurate.

I'm not sure how 24-7 makes their composites. It appears they don't include Rivalsa data, or include another metric I didn't list or they weight the score in some way or there are a bunch of kids who have a much wider range of scores which pushes him up the composite.

His average ranking between the four major services is 57, and two of the services have him decidedly outside the top 50, so yes, I'd say top 75 is much more accurate. Honestly, it doesn't matter as 30-75 are usually all pretty close (maybe even 25-100 in some classes).

 

[MexicoHusky]

Even if gabriel is better than vance, gabriel may be a 1 or 2 year guy. Vance should be a 4 yr guy.

 

[DogMania]

Here's what you rely on - UConn flew him across the country and Kevin Ollie is spending a weekend hosting him.

If Vance wants to commit, you take him before he finishes the sentence.

You're probably right Fishy. I'm sure it's hard for a lot of coaches to determine when to pull the trigger on a lesser recruit or when to try to stall things a bit in hopes of landing the more talented one. Granted Jackson and Gabriel are two different types of players, but they probably only have room for one of them at this point. Filling the last two 2016 ships with reclassified 2017 Diallo at the two and Brown for the center position would best round off the 2016 roster, but it seems unsure if either will we classify and choose UConn to that matter.

I might just be under estimating Jacksons value and capabilities. As I said earlier in this thread, I welcome him to the Husky family with open arms and root for his success if we land him this weekend. I guess I'd just rather add Gabriel over him if Gabriel is to be had. It's very likely that the staff feels that Gabriel has slipped out of reach, so Jackson would make a lot more sense at this point and not worth the chance of losing out on both.

 

[DogMania]

Even if gabriel is better than vance, gabriel may be a 1 or 2 year guy. Vance should be a 4 yr guy.

That's a valid point.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Not trying to start a one and done vs four year player argument. Just saying that 4 yrs of vance may even out the decision. Take whoever commits in a ny minute.

 

[Walker11]

You're probably right Fishy. I'm sure it's hard for a lot of coaches to determine when to pull the trigger on a lesser recruit or when to try to stall things a bit in hopes of landing the more talented one. Granted Jackson and Gabriel are two different types of players, but they probably only have room for one of them at this point. Filling the last two 2016 ships with reclassified 2017 Diallo at the two and Brown for the center position would best round off the 2016 roster, but it seems unsure if either will we classify and choose UConn to that matter.

I might just be under estimating Jacksons value and capabilities. As I said earlier in this thread, I welcome him to the Husky family with open arms and root for his success if we land him this weekend. I guess I'd just rather add Gabriel over him if Gabriel is to be had. It's very likely that the staff feels that Gabriel has slipped out of reach, so Jackson would make a lot more sense at this point and not worth the chance of losing out on both.

In this case, I am sure its not.

 

[MexicoHusky]

And for the record, the decision has already been made by the staff. If vance commits he's in.

 

[DogMania]

Of course if we all could choose, 99% would pick Gabriel. But recruiting doesnt work like that. Gabriel is a long shot at this point, IMO, and Vance seems excited about UConn and possibly ready to commit. This is a no brainer.

One would think that our chances would be very good with a New England recruit who has visited our campus a number of times, but you might be right in that he's exploded so much that he slipped into the hands of the likes of Kentucky, Duke or Maryland. I hate to even think that's the case, but that's what it might be. You have to take into account that Gabriel does have an official visit schedule for early next month at UConn. I don't know if any of us really know how weak or strong our chances are at landing him. Taking Jackson now will probably close that door, and if that happens it's probably because Ollie, Thanks. His chances of landing Gabriel have slept and that Jackson is it good enough talent and fit to take at this point. Like many of us, I have complete trust that all he knows what's best for his program.

 

[DogMania]

And for the record, the decision has already been made by the staff. If vance commits he's in.

How do you know that? You're probably right. But it wouldn't be the first time that a recruit was on an official visit but UConn has not been ready to accept a commitment, preferring that the recruit continue taking their visits while they wait for another recruit's decision. Programs do this all the time, or they'd end up taking the first ones that have visited and want to commit over the ones that they prefer most. You can't always control the dates of when these recruits visit. We also need to consider that Jackson might want to take his Cal visit and isn't all in on UConn yet, but by the looks of his tweet yesterday it sure seems he is.

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Funny how a few months ago we were all concerned about landing any decent recruits, and now I'm presenting the dilemma of taking a top 75 at the expense of passing on a top 10. Bottom line, it's great to be a UConn fan. And as I've said in the other replies, I'll welcome Jackson in with open arms. I'm sure he's a great kid and would be a solid player for our program.

 

[UConnSwag11]

How do you know that? You're probably right. But it wouldn't be the first time that a recruit was on an official visit but UConn has not been ready to accept a commitment, preferring that the recruit continue taking their visits while they wait for another recruit's decision. Programs do this all the time, or they'd end up taking the first ones that have visited and want to commit over the ones that they prefer most. You can't always control the dates of when these recruits visit. We also need to consider that Jackson might want to take his Cal visit and isn't all in on UConn yet, but by the looks of his tweet yesterday it sure seems he is.

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Funny how a few months ago we were all concerned about landing any decent recruits, and now I'm presenting the dilemma of taking a top 75 at the expense of passing on a top 10. Bottom line, it's great to be a UConn fan. And as I've said in the other replies, I'll welcome Jackson in with open arms. I'm sure he's a great kid and would be a solid player for our program.

Why are you so into this argument?

 

[Ricker]

I'm greedy and want both. I assume Hamilton goes and Purvis has as much as said he is gone. What if Brimah leaves.
1. We absolutely need a 3 point sniper to receive from our breakdown penetrators, and to deter teams from packing the paint. Jackson fills that bill, likely solidifies that role for 4 years, and plays intelligently. We should want him ASAP
2. Gabriel is an elite player just as you say, and after Gilbert, is the player I have wanted the most. He takes the team over the top. Why not take him at his word that he doesn't care who else is coming in at his position. He will play and so will Diarra and Durham.

8 players to cover 3 positions isn't outrageous, Brimah might be gone, Facey has capabilities but may become depth rather than rotation, and there are always in season injuries that put players on the bench for a few games. 120 minutes means they all can have double digit minutes and anybody that deserves 20 to 25 or more can earn it.

Brimah
Facey
Enoch
Diarra
Durham
Gabriel
Larrier
Jackson

These 2 guys and a quality shooting guard. (would have loved Myles Powell)

 

[Ricker]

I'm greedy and want both. I assume Hamilton goes and Purvis has as much as said he is gone. What if Brimah leaves.
1. We absolutely need a 3 point sniper to receive from our breakdown penetrators, and to deter teams from packing the paint. Jackson fills that bill, likely solidifies that role for 4 years, and plays intelligently. We should want him ASAP
2. Gabriel is an elite player just as you say, and after Gilbert, is the player I have wanted the most. He takes the team over the top. Why not take him at his word that he doesn't care who else is coming in at his position. He will play and so will Diarra and Durham.

8 players to cover 3 positions isn't outrageous, Brimah might be gone, Facey has capabilities but may become depth rather than rotation, and there are always in season injuries that put players on the bench for a few games. 120 minutes means they all can have double digit minutes and anybody that deserves 20 to 25 or more can earn it.

Brimah
Facey
Enoch
Diarra
Durham
Gabriel
Larrier
Jackson

These 2 guys and a quality shooting guard. (would have loved Myles Powell)

 

[David 76]

Grab who you can when they fit this well.
Starting a team, I'd pick WG. But VJ meets our needs better and the "I want to play the 3" stuff makes me a little nervous.

 

[superjohn]

DogMania, it seems like you have always been a good poster here so let's stop this clown show.

 

[MexicoHusky]

How do you know that? You're probably right. But it wouldn't be the first time that a recruit was on an official visit but UConn has not been ready to accept a commitment, preferring that the recruit continue taking their visits while they wait for another recruit's decision. Programs do this all the time, or they'd end up taking the first ones that have visited and want to commit over the ones that they prefer most. You can't always control the dates of when these recruits visit. We also need to consider that Jackson might want to take his Cal visit and isn't all in on UConn yet, but by the looks of his tweet yesterday it sure seems he is.

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Funny how a few months ago we were all concerned about landing any decent recruits, and now I'm presenting the dilemma of taking a top 75 at the expense of passing on a top 10. Bottom line, it's great to be a UConn fan. And as I've said in the other replies, I'll welcome Jackson in with open arms. I'm sure he's a great kid and would be a solid player for our program.

I suppose your response causes me to back away from my statement a little, but I've always been under the impression that recruits are identified and it's a first come first serve situation after that. Whoever signs/commits first is who the staff goes with.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Grab who you can when they fit this well.
Starting a team, I'd pick WG. But VJ meets our needs better and the "I want to play the 3" stuff makes me a little nervous.

I'm not a big fan of the "I want to play the 3" stuff either. Play basketball. Whatever you can do will be utilized on offense and defense.

 

[UConnSwag11]

I'm not a big fan of the "I want to play the 3" stuff either. Play basketball. Whatever you can do will be utilized on offense and defense.

No. A shortstop doesn't want to play right field. A defender doesn't want to play forward. Players feel comfortable in certain positions or feel they can do their best at. I do agree they should talk to the coach and make it known and talk to them to figure out what they see and how they can work with it

 

[JonnyRI]

I am really sensing a Monday or Tuesday announcement here.....no basis to this but....

 

[CallMeBruce]

I'm not sure how 24-7 makes their composites. It appears they don't include Rivalsa data, or include another metric I didn't list or they weight the score in some way or there are a bunch of kids who have a much wider range of scores which pushes him up the composite.

His average ranking between the four major services is 57, and two of the services have him decidedly outside the top 50, so yes, I'd say top 75 is much more accurate. Honestly, it doesn't matter as 30-75 are usually all pretty close (maybe even 25-100 in some classes).

You should look it up, because all of your assumptions are wrong.

-All major media services share an equal percentage in the 247Composite Rating.

-The composite index equally weights this percentage among the services that participate in a ranking for that specific prospect.

-A composite strength meter, indicated by red bars, illustrates the total number of industry services that have ranked the prospect. A full strength meter indicates the prospect has been ranked by all industry services participating in the composite.

-All industry networks have a different philosophy on number of "stars" distributed with each class. The 247Composite Rating assigns stars based on an approximate average distribution of stars from the industry.

-The 247Composite will update as major media outlets update their prospect rankings throughout the recruiting cycle.

 

[DogMania]

Why are you so into this argument?

Who's arguing anything. This is just a discussion. If Vance commits this weekend, then we'll know that KO in fact was intent on pressing and accepting a commitment. If not, then who knows? Maybe KO did and Vance wants to take his Cal visit. Or maybe the mutually want more time. We'll likely find out within the next 24 hours or so.

 

[DogMania]

DogMania, it seems like you have always been a good poster here so let's stop this clown show.

Wow! What's gone on with this board? Seems it's poster beware! You can't post some alternative thoughts and opinions w/out personal attacks.

Whatever!

 

[DogMania]

I suppose your response causes me to back away from my statement a little, but I've always been under the impression that recruits are identified and it's a first come first serve situation after that. Whoever signs/commits first is who the staff goes with.

Since coaches can't control what order a recruit takes their official visits and if they plan on accepting an offer during a visit or after all their visits, it's really hard to tell what's going on.

Now many here seem to believe that KO will extend a hard offer if he hasn't already and that Vance will accept if he likes what he sees. That may in fact be the case. Even when recruits say they will wait till after all their visits before deciding many don't.

I assume we'll know more over the next 24 to 48 hours.

 

[Walker11]

This is a silly argument but I'll bite. He is ranked outside of the top 50 in half of the rankings. To me, that doesn't really seem like a consensus top 50 player even though his average ranking is 51. Regardless, I think all of us would love to land Vance.

 

[huskiesnyc]

I like you Dogmania. But you aren't going to win a debate whether or not to take a top 50 kid that's got a deadly shot when we have (likely) 4 more scholarships to give.

 

[superjohn]

Wow! What's gone on with this board? Seems it's poster beware! You can't post some alternative thoughts and opinions w/out personal attacks.

Whatever!

Not arguing but I'm not even sure what you are discussing anymore. You really think Ollie flew Jackson to Connecticut for the kid to hang out and he isn't trying to get the kid to commit?

 

[johnhuskies95]

I don't think that what DogMania is saying is all that crazy in general, it's just that in this particular case I don't think that strategy would work. If you slow-play Jackson to try and land Gabriel you seriously risk not landing either of them. I'd prefer Gabriel as well, but you have to take Jackson if he wants to commit.