Recruiting as of 12/15/24

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think Shaka's realistic enough to understand that a player ranked 11th in his class is talented enough for NBA teams to potentially want to draft them and make them filthy rich after 1 year of college basketball.  I don't think Shaka is interested in players who are ONLY interested in college to increase their draft stock.  Like you say, he wants kids who fit his culture.  I don't think being good enough to go to the NBA after 1 year means a kid wouldn't fit Shaka's culture.  I think Kon is good enough that he MIGHT go to the NBA after one year of college basketball.  I also think Kon would've fit in with Shaka's culture, and Shaka would've loved to have him on the roster (which is why he continued to recruit him up until he committed to Duke).

Sure, a kid could be telling Shaka he really wants to stick around and develop to make sure he's ready for the NBA.  But if that kid comes in as a 5 star recruit and shows enough potential for NBA teams to tell him they'll pay him millions of dollars to fulfill a lifelong dream, that's tougher to turn down than when you're a year out from that possibility.  From all accounts, Reed Sheppard really wanted to win big at Kentucky.  But when millions are on the line, you take the money and run.  And Reed would've been awesome playing for Shaka.

It's why he's offering some 5 stars, but not all 5 stars.  Which is my point.  If we aren't still in on top 35 kids by the time next year rolls around, it's not because Shaka has no interest in 5 star guys.  He's clearly showing some interest here.

My point is no one has ever claimed that he's not interested in 5-star guys, it's a strawman. He will only take players who fit his culture. It doesn't matter if you are a 5-star talent, you will not be on the roster if you don't buy in.

How do you know if a 5-star guy buys into your culture? You contact him. Contact is contact. It's not an offer. And even an offer only means so much. To date, we've only been involved to the end with a single guy who's finished ranked in the top 20 (Kon).

[MuMark]

https://x.com/cbeasmoresports/status/1802833339872641084?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[MuMark]

https://stockrisers.com/s/532/top-50-sophomore-rj-livingston-talks-contact-period-return-to-court

[barfolomew]

https://stockrisers.com/s/532/top-50-sophomore-rj-livingston-talks-contact-period-return-to-court

"LSU, Auburn, Texas State, and Arizona State are among the schools that have offered prior to the contact period."

I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but wouldn't that be, you know... contact?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

"LSU, Auburn, Texas State, and Arizona State are among the schools that have offered prior to the contact period."

I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but wouldn't that be, you know... contact?

It usually happens through back-channels, like through a AAU or high school coach.

Also, I believe that players can proactively contact a coach prior to the contact period.

[MuMark]

In state 2026 kid.....no offer yet as far as I know

https://ny2lasports.com/josh-manchester-breaks-down-marquette-visit/

[muwarrior69]

You guys would know better than me, but is this guy the next Edy?

https://nypost.com/2024/06/20/sports/7-foot-9-olivier-rioux-set-to-make-college-basketball-history/

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

You guys would know better than me, but is this guy the next Edy?

https://nypost.com/2024/06/20/sports/7-foot-9-olivier-rioux-set-to-make-college-basketball-history/

You mean...the ice cream?

[Hards Alumni]

You mean...the ice cream?

Vanilla for sure, but I doubt he is soft serve.

[MuMark]

https://x.com/bigshotsglobal/status/1804552302088368505?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

https://x.com/bigshotsglobal/status/1804552302088368505?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

Ironically, Cody Hatt is the only one wearing a hat in that photo.

[BCHoopster]

Who they watching?

[MUfan12]

Shaka rocking some Kam Jones gear.

[We R Final Four]

Brett Nelson

[MuMark]

Who they watching?

Michael Phillips 2026 kid

[MuMark]

They also watched these 2 earlier

https://x.com/bigshotsglobal/status/1804568628869632396?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[MuMark]

https://x.com/colbyghoops/status/1804598604645949545?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Ironically, Cody Hatt is the only one wearing a hat in that photo.

Thank you, Alanis Morissette.

[seakm4]

https://x.com/colbyghoops/status/1804598604645949545?s=61&t=6XPB8f4sAKmJIzxgMcsCjw

Are these games happening in the state of Wisconsin or elsewhere?

[brewcity77]

Are these games happening in the state of Wisconsin or elsewhere?

That was at DeMatha, a school in Maryland.

[onepost]

Cam Ward visit starts today. Need it.

[tower912]

Cam is very good.   If Shaka lands him, the last scholarship has to be for a PG.   Also, 2-3 years out, look for 1 guard, 4 forward sets.   Quite the change from the last few years.

[onepost]

I've long been of the mindset that we take four in 2025, and one of the bigs finds a new landing spot ala Itejere (Al seems most likely IMO).
We're in on so many great players in 2025 that I think they strike while the iron is hot.

[tower912]

IMO, oversigning is even less reputable than using the portal.   The only way I see it is if Shaka knows someone is going to the league.   In this case, IMO, that someone is Ben.

So, I don't see it.

[onepost]

IMO, oversigning is even less reputable than using the portal.   The only way I see it is if Shaka knows someone is going to the league.   In this case, IMO, that someone is Ben.

So, I don't see it.

That's fine, it was just my opinion on what I can see happening.
I don't see any scenario where Marquette carries 4 big men on their 2025-2026 roster, so whether that's Gold going pro or someone leaving for a lower level, that to me seems logical.