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Post by mySTRAS on Aug 19, 2015 12:21:17 GMT -8
The most discerning fact about Zona is that they lose their entire front court to graduation this year. How is that in a time of one and dones? No they don't, Ristic and Comanche will be back, both centers. Some think Ristic is better than Tarc actually. Tarc was WAY over-rated coming out of high school. He has been completely overshadowed at UA.
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Post by fisherville on Aug 19, 2015 12:25:03 GMT -8
Both rivals and ESPN is wrong then, probably more likely they haven't updated his position since 2 years ago. But he is a center and a center only. NO ONE will recruit him as a PF. Good thing Fish rarely recruits guys who can play only one position. He will be listed as a Center via the fact that he'll be the tallest guy on the court for us and in most cases guard the other teams tallest player, but he's got a little more to his game than just 8' from the basket and in. He can knock down a 15-18 footer with decent regularity, can run some high ball screen pick and roll stuff, etc. If the staff has to tell him he's a PF to get him on campus SO BE IT, it's not like we run any consistent form of low post offense anyways, he won't just be camped out in the paint all day long I guarantee that. I'm sorry, but there is no chance fisher would allow a big with his lack of mobility to guard PF's at sdsu. And his jumper is average and inconsistent. Sdsu is surely recruiting him as just a center
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Post by mySTRAS on Aug 19, 2015 12:36:58 GMT -8
Would love to see the following in 2016-17:
PG: Hemsley SG: Kell SF: Z PF: Narain C: Cage
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Post by jpaztec on Aug 19, 2015 12:44:37 GMT -8
Skylar Spencer is listed as a forward with no offensive game outside of 5', and guards the opposing teams tallest player ALL the time. If he's not a center, MJ Cage is most certainly not a center, at least doesn't have to be considered one.
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Post by fisherville on Aug 19, 2015 12:56:28 GMT -8
Skylar Spencer is listed as a forward with no offensive game outside of 5', and guards the opposing teams tallest player ALL the time. If he's not a center, MJ Cage is most certainly not a center, at least doesn't have to be considered one. Skylar spencer is much more athletic than cage and guards centers at SDSU. Cage lacks mobility to guard 1-4. Your post makes absolutely no sense. Skylar spencer maybe listed as a forward by dumb people because of his size, but he plays center at SDSU, and would be a better pf option than cage.
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Post by sdcoug on Aug 19, 2015 13:53:09 GMT -8
Good thing Fish rarely recruits guys who can play only one position. He will be listed as a Center via the fact that he'll be the tallest guy on the court for us and in most cases guard the other teams tallest player, but he's got a little more to his game than just 8' from the basket and in. He can knock down a 15-18 footer with decent regularity, can run some high ball screen pick and roll stuff, etc. If the staff has to tell him he's a PF to get him on campus SO BE IT, it's not like we run any consistent form of low post offense anyways, he won't just be camped out in the paint all day long I guarantee that. I'm sorry, but there is no chance fisher would allow a big with his lack of mobility to guard PF's at sdsu. And his jumper is average and inconsistent. Sdsu is surely recruiting him as just a center I think it's as much about semantics and/or how positions are defined in today's game. In today's game you really don't see "Power Forwards" per se. You see "stretch 4's", or taller than normal 3's playing the 4 most often. How many teams are going with 4 guards these days, or their 4 being a Hollis-Jefferson or Wiltjer type of player? Cannot see Cage on any of them. Cal, if Rabb stays at the 4, MIGHT be one of the exceptions, and even he is much more athletic than Cage.
Even looking at us - Pope, Zylan and/or Win are most likely to play the 4. Can anyone see Cage guarding any of those guys? And I don't think Cage gives you the O' to offset that defensive deficiency.
I'm with you - unless Cage gets extremely quicker I have a hard time seeing Fish letting the opposing "4" be his man on D'. At least against 90% of the teams we'll face. But tell him he's a F, just like Sky, Chol, etc. are "Forwards", on paper. Position labels are just that these days - on paper.
But hey, some players have had greater transformations than this so......
Just get him to commit -sort everything else out later!
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Post by dlangford9 on Aug 19, 2015 14:24:05 GMT -8
Potatoes.... Patatoes... lol
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Post by Ambivalent_Fan on Aug 19, 2015 14:44:55 GMT -8
Have we made it to the point in the summer where we are vehemently arguing the position of a player who is still in high school?...
I can't wait until the football season starts so we can once again get back to the substantive business of bashing Rocky and/or playing Monday morning quarterback as it relates to referees / play calling / how many points the defense allowed / or why a particular Aztec player is a total waste of a scholarship...
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Post by standiego on Aug 19, 2015 14:48:17 GMT -8
Most top 100 recruits like to say what position they Hope to play in the NBA as their position for college. Cage HOPES to play the 4, in the NBA . Would guess he is looking for a team that will help him develop in that direction. Do not think he wants to be a basic Center. Look at 2016 Rivals and only 2 of the top 40 are listed as a C. Aztecs list Skylar and Angelo as forwards , on the web site and announce Skylar in the staring line up as a Forward . Most of us might agree the Skylar plays the 5 on D for the Aztecs - most often defending the other team's 5 , before he may need to switch . So yes it can be the wording. or positioning on the court. Every team plays a different style of offense and defense . How they use their players . It is also dependent on what the total squad looks like. We usually have guys they play multiple positions and adjust on the floor . Key for Aztecs when recruiting Cage is to show him how they see him fitting in on the offense and the defense . His role or roles, not label it position 5 or 4 . We are fortunate that it sounds as if Narain is open to just playing either the 5 or 4 . So maybe set up the power point, showing Cage how the coaches for see using him . Same thing the coaches used when they made the presentation to Zylan how they saw him fitting in to the game plan. Believe they showed his image / avatar on offense .
It is important to understand when you are recruiting guys, to know what the recruit sees as their way of contributing to a team . Where does Cage see himself playing on the court ? Some may say,just tell him anything just sign him up . Some coaches do that, but then if you do and they are not happy they can be ready to transfer out just as quickly . Good recruiting can take a lot of preparation , knowing the recruit and what their priorities are . Who helps them make their decision and other things may be involved .
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Post by sdcoug on Aug 19, 2015 15:31:15 GMT -8
It is important to understand when you are recruiting guys, to know what the recruit sees as their way of contributing to a team . Where does Cage see himself playing on the court ? Some may say,just tell him anything just sign him up . Some coaches do that, but then if you do and they are not happy they can be ready to transfer out just as quickly . Good recruiting can take a lot of preparation , knowing the recruit and what their priorities are . Who helps them make their decision and other things may be involved . You can rest assured he's seen our offense in action, and that our coaches have told & showed him where he'd fit in & what role they envision him playing within our offense.
You can also rest assured they're not telling him his role will mirror that of Pope, Win, Zylan or even Max, guys who on paper might be described as playing the "4" for us.
And you can also rest assured that how he's listed in the program is not part of any conversation.
We wouldn't still be on his list if he didn't think he'd fit in somewhere.
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Post by Gundo on Aug 19, 2015 15:59:37 GMT -8
The most discerning fact about Zona is that they lose their entire front court to graduation this year. How is that in a time of one and dones? Definitely attractive to a 1 & done PF who wants to jump in, but they do still have Ristic & Comanche, both solid bigs who could start at most places & they'll most likely return in '17. On the flipside, they have a lot of bodies to replace, especially w/o Leaf.
Plus, despite what Cage is listed at or thinks, unless he's taken ballet classes &/or significantly improves his shot, range & agility, he's not going to step into the stretch-4 position Miller likes to play. Or even the 4 period IMO. To me that means he'd be battling Ristic & Comanche for PT, whereas at SDSU.....
Cal will probably return all 3 of their bigs in '17, if they're still even a player in this.
Gonzaga would provide opportunities for him if Sabonis leaves, but they have Collins.
USC, SDSU & maybe UCLA probably provide him with the best opportunities, at least to play in '16-17.
I disagree with USC they have the following in 2016, Sr. Nikola Jonanovic 6'10, Jr. Malik Martin 6'9, Soph Chimezie Metu 6'9, Bennie Boatwirght 6'9 and incoming Freshman 6'10 Harrison Henderson out of Texas all are 3-star & 4-star dues. That's a front court log jam. UCLA has 0 scholarships left for 2016, but said that they would make room by having Bryce Alford walk-on. Plus they have 6'9 Jalen Hill coming in 2017 the Compton Magic player stared on the U17 Gold medal team and selected UCLA over SDSU. But then alot could happen between 2015 and 2016. I am most concern with Zags and Zona, both have space to add to rosters. I believe NC State is still in the race, unless they land a local 4-star.
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Post by hoobs on Aug 19, 2015 16:14:47 GMT -8
Cage HOPES to play the 4, in the NBA . Would guess he is looking for a team that will help him develop in that direction. Ok, now this is a good, perceptive way to characterize the situation! And to complete the syllogism... yes, playing the "5" in the Aztecs scheme is a terrific preparation for playing "PF" in the NBA. Hell, Malcolm Thomas was one of the best "5"s we ever had, and he was a prospect in the NBA as a hybrid 3/4. In other words, as far as Cage Jr.'s interests in picking a college that can best prepare him to get to the NBA... SDSU qualifies just fine.
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Post by sdcoug on Aug 19, 2015 17:11:31 GMT -8
Definitely attractive to a 1 & done PF who wants to jump in, but they do still have Ristic & Comanche, both solid bigs who could start at most places & they'll most likely return in '17. On the flipside, they have a lot of bodies to replace, especially w/o Leaf.
Plus, despite what Cage is listed at or thinks, unless he's taken ballet classes &/or significantly improves his shot, range & agility, he's not going to step into the stretch-4 position Miller likes to play. Or even the 4 period IMO. To me that means he'd be battling Ristic & Comanche for PT, whereas at SDSU.....
Cal will probably return all 3 of their bigs in '17, if they're still even a player in this.
Gonzaga would provide opportunities for him if Sabonis leaves, but they have Collins.
USC, SDSU & maybe UCLA probably provide him with the best opportunities, at least to play in '16-17.
I disagree with USC they have the following in 2016, Sr. Nikola Jonanovic 6'10, Jr. Malik Martin 6'9, Soph Chimezie Metu 6'9, Bennie Boatwirght 6'9 and incoming Freshman 6'10 Harrison Henderson out of Texas all are 3-star & 4-star dues. That's a front court log jam. Very true. Wasn't sure how many are true posts though? Not sold on Boatwright or even Jonanovic fighting for the same type of spot as Cage, plus Jonanovic would be a senior so less of a threat. Also not sure I'd put Henderson above Cage either. I could see Metu keeping Cage on the bench though. I just see Cage being a post who can battle inside with the occasional 10-12 footers, so really didn't think of most of these guys in that vein and think they'll need someone like that on the floor.
Do agree - Zags & UA appear to be best comp but UA has their 2 big boys already as well. Of the 3 So-Cal schools I think SDSU has the edge. I just don't see him going NCST but who knows?
I do like our chances.
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Post by standiego on Aug 20, 2015 8:35:11 GMT -8
U of A has 6'10" 4 star PF Lauri Markkanen , from Finland in for a visit 10/17( during their big Red/Blue game) - he is also visiting Utah , NC ( his dad played for their coach) . Viewed as a very likely NBA prospect . Not sure when De'Ron Davis #31 is going to visit - Wildcats are also part of his final three . M. Lightfoot one of the better players in Arizona HS wants to commit there but is being told to wait to see what happens. Also on their list is Schnider Herard #41 . Lately they have also been talking with SF Josh Jackson , rated 1 or 2 in the country , plus other top guards and SF's including Vance Jackson #47.
Did the Zags sign PF/C Williams - transfer from Mizzu ? So he sits this year and starts playing 2016-17 season with two years to play . Also will have Zach Collins PF/C coming in.
Very interesting time for the coaches and current players also . Coaches really have to prepare their presentations for recruits IF they can even line up a visit. Coach Fisher also commented that it also involves current players . Recruits and their families know they will get sales pitch from coaches , so they also make sure they ask current or even former players what it is really like playing for the staff , the environment off campus ,other issues ...... they can become your best to worst recruiters for your school .
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Post by AzTex on Aug 20, 2015 8:55:02 GMT -8
U of A has 6'10" 4 star PF Lauri Markkanen , from Finland in for a visit 10/17( during their big Red/Blue game) - he is also visiting Utah , NC ( his dad played for their coach) . Viewed as a very likely NBA prospect . Not sure when De'Ron Davis #31 is going to visit - Wildcats are also part of his final three . M. Lightfoot one of the better players in Arizona HS wants to commit there but is being told to wait to see what happens. Also on their list is Schnider Herard #41 . Lately they have also been talking with SF Josh Jackson , rated 1 or 2 in the country , plus other top guards and SF's including Vance Jackson #47. Did the Zags sign PF/C Williams - transfer from Mizzu ? So he sits this year and starts playing 2016-17 season with two years to play . Also will have Zach Collins PF/C coming in. Very interesting time for the coaches and current players also . Coaches really have to prepare their presentations for recruits IF they can even line up a visit. Coach Fisher also commented that it also involves current players . Recruits and their families know they will get sales pitch from coaches , so they also make sure they ask current or even former players what it is really like playing for the staff , the environment off campus ,other issues ...... they can become your best to worst recruiters for your school . That's true about your former and current players being your best or worst recruiters. But, if they are your worst recruiters then you have a serious problem with the staff and probably need to make major changes. Fortunately that's not a problem here.
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Post by sdcoug on Aug 20, 2015 9:24:51 GMT -8
U of A has 6'10" 4 star PF Lauri Markkanen , from Finland in for a visit 10/17( during their big Red/Blue game) - he is also visiting Utah , NC ( his dad played for their coach) . Viewed as a very likely NBA prospect . Not sure when De'Ron Davis #31 is going to visit - Wildcats are also part of his final three . M. Lightfoot one of the better players in Arizona HS wants to commit there but is being told to wait to see what happens. Also on their list is Schnider Herard #41 . Lately they have also been talking with SF Josh Jackson , rated 1 or 2 in the country , plus other top guards and SF's including Vance Jackson #47. Did the Zags sign PF/C Williams - transfer from Mizzu ? So he sits this year and starts playing 2016-17 season with two years to play . Also will have Zach Collins PF/C coming in. Very interesting time for the coaches and current players also . Coaches really have to prepare their presentations for recruits IF they can even line up a visit. Coach Fisher also commented that it also involves current players . Recruits and their families know they will get sales pitch from coaches , so they also make sure they ask current or even former players what it is really like playing for the staff , the environment off campus ,other issues ...... they can become your best to worst recruiters for your school . That's true about your former and current players being your best or worst recruiters. But, if they are your worst recruiters then you have a serious problem with the staff and probably need to make major changes. Fortunately that's not a problem here. Players are definitely more likely to be your BEST recruiters than worst, that's for sure. If for no other reason than the staff is VERY selective as to who will be the recruit's player host. They're not going to let some kid who doesn't get much PT & could potentially have any issues with the program host a recruit. They've done their due-diligence on the recruit, and already know his interests/likes/turnoffs, and will match him with a player as close to him as possible.
We have some incredible kids on this roster - no potential bad apples I've noticed. I'd have to think Kell, Shrigs, Pope, Zylan, etc. would be terrific ambassadors for the team, and great recruiters. Of course other programs do the same, so it all comes down to which players at which school tend to connect the most, along with what other tools & coaching relationships are best.
I think from a recruiting standpoint SDSU is set up VERY, VERY well. Great, down to earth & honest coaches, terrific kids, great facilities in a terrific city (& girls will be in sundresses this weekend I'd assume but more importantly they stay that way virtually EVERY weekend - which Oregon can't sell - : ).
Our only hurdle is our conference, and with UNLV raising their profile (in theory) & BSU being solid, New Mex having some good history, etc. it helps. Plus, Zags have sold their program in a worse conference.
PS. We've seen/followed Kell, Pope & Zylan coming across as the 3 Amigo's over the past 4-5 months or so.... Can you imagine a kid who wouldn't have a good time in that bunch while also being impressed knowing their talent level as well? PSS. I'd be curious to know who the lead recruiter has been with this kid?
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Post by Gundo on Aug 22, 2015 16:02:14 GMT -8
Any word, MJ?
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Post by standiego on Aug 29, 2015 10:51:19 GMT -8
Has he set up any visits ?
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Post by Gundo on Aug 29, 2015 15:05:54 GMT -8
Well today the Zags singed a 6'10 230 PF from France, his name Killian Tillie. That means they have added 6'10 Zach Collins, 6'9 John Williams III from Mizzou and now Killian Tillie. Which means they are stacking up in the front court, but will lose Sabonis and Wiltjer. Is MJ considering Spokane? Maybe a little less now. www.draftexpress.com/profile/Killian-Tillie-78788/
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Post by AZTEC4LIFE1992 on Aug 29, 2015 17:02:40 GMT -8
Not sure about Cage, but this may have a greater effect on T.J. Leaf who is scheduled to have home visit with Gonzaga next month.
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