09-09-2019, 02:47 PM | #71 | |
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09-09-2019, 03:38 PM | #72 |
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I suspect Mason will become as good a point guard as several guys we've had starting at UC, including recently. It might take him a while, but that depends on how others develop too. He's going to fit into Brannen's system likely better as a shooter, so it might be a new-look Bearcats for us. He might actually turn out to be a good two guard outside decoy just because he could be a drive and dish guy.
I think people are calling out this discussion as very extreme, when it's not. To say a recruit is a risk isn't the same thing as saying they shouldn't have been recruited. It's acknowledging what might become a pitfall. No one said Brannen shouldn't have recruited Harvey or Gabe. We said they were players that carry risk, because they do. That's okay more often that not. And yeah, you can push that to say all players do, but a storyline with those two guys rises up to the lead paragraph when talking about them, which is really all you need to know. It might be the end of the discussion, but not saying anything is just having blinders on. It's not even a harsh criticism on Brannen to point it out, because I'm sure he would recognize it too. Cronin also needed to take risk guys like Stephenson, who brought such an odd media circus for college, but I'm guessing that it bothered him that it was the route he had to take. And to those justifying Mason's spot by pointing out how many low-level recruits Cronin brought in...well I thought little of Cronin's recruiting in recent years and I'm guessing fans just learned to live with it. But to his credit he always seemed to develop enough upperclassmen to play his system of slow ball that he found ways to win games. But most of those lower recruits were largely forgettable. Sprinkle in some fortunate diamonds in the rough and there's UC in past 13 years. Successful, but frustrating all too often. Excited to see if Mason can make use eat our words about counting him out. |
09-09-2019, 08:06 PM | #73 |
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Yea, exactly, all players carry risk and these two don't pose any more risk than any other players that have been recruited. Hell, one of Skyblade's reasons was that they could turn into stars and leave for a bigger program. Say that out loud, maybe you'll then realize how ridiculous the statement is.
The risk of bringing in Stephenson and the Madsen twins are not even comparable. And I was fine with bringing in Lance, but they aren't in the same ballpark of risks. |
09-10-2019, 08:31 AM | #74 | |
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It sure seemed like Brannen thought Madsen could/would have a much bigger impact on the floor. Not to mention the intangibles like work ethic and attitude that you have to factor in for team reasons. Brannen may have looked at Madsen as more of a 4 star talent and like any coach likes to see work ethic etc. Gabe and Mason both checked off many of those boxes. Mason was well aware of who we already had recruited at his spot(s). He was not afraid to mix it up and let the chips fall where they may. They both had full knowledge of the situation as well so did their entire family. If either or happens to want to back out someday it will likely be solely on them and not on Brannen. That discussion of what happens if Mason can't get off the bench was probably had between the family and they still decided to stay together and play for a great program. It doesn't even sound like they batted an eye. And again...I think Mason's attitude of wanting to earn his PT is a testament to their confidence and work ethic. In terms of recruiting for style of play I think Brannen likes ball handlers and shooters and I think Mason can do both of those so he fits the system and I am sure he can play spot minutes or specific roles as we go and with a great work ethic can maybe even do more than that at some point. CJB weighed the risk reward and decided the Madsens were either the better choice or he didn't want to risk missing on them and Gordon. Take the commit when you can get it or you might get shut out on your top targets kind of thing. Last edited by waterhead; 09-10-2019 at 08:34 AM. |
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09-10-2019, 10:10 AM | #75 | |
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09-10-2019, 10:32 AM | #76 |
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Yes...it is not true. They preferred to play together (of course...they are twins) but they were being recruited separately for the most part. They would have committed to different schools had the right situation not developed. And almost as soon as we did offer both...I think Eggs may have followed suit which should tell you a lot about either the perceived value of Gabe, or the value of the tandem as a whole. And it should also tell you something about the ingenuity of our coach to get the job done before someone else did.
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09-12-2019, 02:17 AM | #77 |
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That's interesting. Rivals and 247 don't show offers for Mason from XU. I'll take your word for it. They have a number of highly ranked guards in the que, so that would have been pretty challenging for him. They do need wings and shooting.
One thing I'm certain of...the Madsen parents are happy they don't have to try to travel to separate schools to watch games. Even if it was just a handful, that would be a lot of time and money for travel. Even better, they don't have to pay for two kids' tuition! Well, I'm really hoping UC can get that PF from Bardstown, KY. Really need someone his size coming up. I think some rules changes will be making the number of grad transfers go down. Transfer bigs will be a huge premium. |
09-12-2019, 06:28 AM | #78 | |
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https://n.rivals.com/news/mason-madsen As far as JJ Traynor (Bardstown). its reported he will redshirt. He and his family want to redshirt wherever he goes. So with that said Prince and Diarra really have to pan out this year or maybe someone like Tari Eason may be a better fit to come in and play right away(if he is capable of playing big minutes) Last edited by itsamemario; 09-12-2019 at 06:30 AM. |
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09-12-2019, 07:48 AM | #79 | |
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If we can get Traynor or Eason I think it takes a big load off of Brannen and he can rest a bit easier until spring with most of his work being done already for 2020. |
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09-19-2019, 12:48 PM | #80 |
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Xavier making a late push for Traynor but it definetely feels like he is ours to lose.
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