little 2011 recruiting update

[JohnnyGopher]

Gophers are currently sitting in very good position with Cedar Rapids SG Josh Oglesby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwFRPTAdbJw&feature=related

They want either Jesperson or Oglesby and have offered and really like both. Right now Jesperson may be slipping away to Virginia, but MN is sitting atop Oglesby's list.

The Gophers also like his Cedar Rapids teammate, 6'8 Jarrod Uthoff, but so do a long list of other schools plus the Gophers have yet to offer. Getting JO would certianly help with Uthoff if they make a strong push for him.

I know Nadine has an interview coming with Ross Travis after last nights 43 Hoops vs. Pump N Run game and just saw these you tube videos of Ross, if he can only stay healthy, he could be big time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO1Hv3w_590&feature=related

[Eye of the Gopher]

Good information, thanks for the update.

[Go Gophs eh?]

Tubby and co. cannot let Jesperson slip. Hes going to be a big time player, Oglesby, well he might be good, but I think Jesperson is a sure thing. I will lose all faith in Tubby's recruiting ability if we lose Jesperson, and/or Coleman. Those would be 2 big blows.

I would like to add that I'm also impressed with Travis, as to why we haven't offered, I have no clue. Maybe tubby is thinking he already has Rodney and he needs a shooter hence the Oglesby and Jesperson offers. Ross is gonna be special though.

[UWOle]

Jesperson apparently played rather well at the Virginia elite camp, and was offered by Tony Bennett at the recommendation of his father, Dick. Sounds like Paul could have a few more Big 10 offers in the near future as well.

Uthoff currently has offers from UW, Illinois and Iowa, among others. I will be surprised if he does not end up in the Big 10.

Here is what I posted on the Badger board after last night's 43 Hoops / PNR game:

"My primary interest in this game was Ross Travis, the 6’7” SF from Chaska who plays with 43 Hoops. Travis definitely looks the part, as he has good height, long arms and is a very good athlete. Warm-ups were essentially a dunk contest, with Travis throwing down some rather impressive slams. When I watched Travis this past winter, I was very impressed with his ball-handling and passing, as he truly is a perimeter player, even at 6’7”. He apparently did a decent amount of ball-handling for Chaska during the season, and he did so again tonight. He did not shoot the ball real well this evening, though he did hit a big 3 down the stretch in the second half after PnR had cut into 43 Hoops’ lead. One thing I did not notice last time was that he pulls the ball back a little far before he releases the shot. It’s not a sling shot from behind the head, but it’s also not a text book release. If he’s going to be a SF at the next level, which I definitely think he can be, that may be something that needs a little improvement. I was also very impressed with his defense. With his height and length, and how well he moves, he could be a great perimeter defender, both on the ball and in the passing lanes. He did a very solid job in one-on-one situations this evening, and was in good help-side position to draw a couple charges. The knock on Travis has been his lack of productivity, which was the case again tonight. He very little to be noticed in the first half, save for drawing one charge, but he was mixing it up physically in the second half, scored on a tough 3-point play and hit the 3 mentioned above on his way to 12 second half points. For me personally, the things I would look for in a SF are solid athleticism and an ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. Travis fits into that mold very well. That said, his only high major offers to date are Iowa St. and Oregon St., neither of which are very prominent in their respective conferences. Not sure what is missing, but he just need to put things together to be a consistent producer. If that happens, he could be a great prospect, maybe the best in Minnesota’s 2011 class because of his size and versatility.

With UW only having one scholarship left for 2011 and Travis without a Badger offer, I don’t know if or how seriously the UW staff is pursuing Ross. I did talk to a few people I trust tonight, and it doesn’t sound like UW has been real active in Travis’ recruitment of late. I think it’s fair to say he’s down the priority list a bit, behind Jarrod Uthoff at the very least, and probably Sam Dekker as well in light of his offer tonight. However, I do hope the Badgers continue to monitor him in case they miss on the guys they have offered."

[underground629]

Are we not recruiting Travis very hard?

[MinneMike]

When I read "little 2011 recruiting update" I thought we offered a midget.

[EG#9]

I am really not liking how 2011 is shaping up for Gophers recruiting. We absolutely need a top 4-5 in the conference type class to come in after last year.

[Friend Of Tubby]

Gophers are currently sitting in very good position with Cedar Rapids SG Josh Oglesby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwFRPTAdbJw&feature=related

They want either Jesperson or Oglesby and have offered and really like both. Right now Jesperson may be slipping away to Virginia, but MN is sitting atop Oglesby's list.

The Gophers also like his Cedar Rapids teammate, 6'8 Jarrod Uthoff, but so do a long list of other schools plus the Gophers have yet to offer. Getting JO would certianly help with Uthoff if they make a strong push for him.

I know Nadine has an interview coming with Ross Travis after last nights 43 Hoops vs. Pump N Run game and just saw these you tube videos of Ross, if he can only stay healthy, he could be big time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO1Hv3w_590&feature=related

Hoopmasters on Oglesby:

The top junior in the state of Iowa, 6-4 combo Josh Oglesby has seen interest start to pick up.

We had a chance to catch-up with Iowa Barnstormers Director Jamie Johnson and he filled us in on the recruiting of his top junior, and the top junior in the state of Iowa, 6-4 175-pound combo guard Josh Oglesby of Cedar Rapids Washington.

"Josh has been to Kansas, Wisconsin, Creighton, Iowa and UNI for unofficial visits," Coach Johnson told Hoopmasters. "He will travel to Illinois on Valentines Day to see the Illini."

"He is also getting interest from Minnesota, Iowa State, and Indiana State too," Johnson continued. "Kansas, Creighton, Northern Iowa, Iowa, Iowa State, and Illinois have been to see him practice or play during the last couple weeks. He's wide-open and just taking everything in at this time."

Josh missed a number of games earlier this season, but has returned with a re-newed focus and has been averaging 19 points (16.6ppg overall) and 4 assists in January. He is an excellent shooter who can create off the dribble or knock down three from deep. He is an excellent passer who has all the tools to play either guard spot in college. Its that versatility that has brought the above interest.

He is pushing for a top one hundred spot and should earn one with a solid spring with the Barnstormers.

[Friend Of Tubby]

Jarrod Uthoff 6-7 PF/WF (2011) Cedar Rapids, IA Jefferson - He has solid facing skills and range to three that makes him a versatile combo type forward. he had 11 points and 7 boards in loss to East in the quarters. He has a lot of similarities to Adam Koch (MVC MVP) in high school. He had Wichita State and Northern Iowa (offered this past week) there to watch him and has also heard from Iowa State, Creighton, Indiana State, Iowa, and Colorado State.

(AND)

Josh Oglesby 6-4 SG/PG (2011) Cedar Rapids, IA Washington - This skilled combo guard has all the tools to run the point at the high major level if he can add strength and some explosion to go with his ability to knock down jumper, handle and deliver rock to open man. He's a pass first guard who has to learn to take over and dominate at times. He had 15 points versus Ames, and definitely impressed Illinois, Wichita State, and Northern Iowa who were there to watch him play. Illinois, Wichita State, and Northern Iowa were in to watch him in Des Moines and he is also hearing from Kansas, Wisconsin, Creighton, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana State.

[Rouser]

Thanks for the update Johnny. I think folks are trying to play arm chair coach / recruiters of late. Last I checked, Bo rarely lands a top rated recruiting class yet they seem to win pretty much every year. I think Tubby is every bit the coach that Bo is so I am no worried ONE BIT. People need to remember, we have a good coach...this is not the Monson years. Tubby is going to land a top rated class every so often but he doesn't need to to win. He needs to have players that can play and that he can coach up.

To these folks I say...get back to me after we start missing the tourney with regularity. That has not been the case yet.

[Mother Vandelay]

I am really not liking how 2011 is shaping up for Gophers recruiting. We absolutely need a top 4-5 in the conference type class to come in after last year.

How can that happen? Have we even one 4 star player that actually has interest? Our recruiting area has definately shrunk as Iowa now seems to be our southern limit. It's like they've given up trying to recruit, expect an 8th, 9th or 10th place in the Big Ten recruiting battles.

[Reserve]

Johnny Gopher ..

Is there a final update on Royce White?

Thanks.

[fan of Ray Williams]

Johnny Gopher ..

Is there a final update on Royce White?

Thanks.

Not completely sure, but I think that's an oxymoron.

[akgopher]

Thanks for the update Johnny. I think folks are trying to play arm chair coach / recruiters of late. Last I checked, Bo rarely lands a top rated recruiting class yet they seem to win pretty much every year. I think Tubby is every bit the coach that Bo is so I am no worried ONE BIT. People need to remember, we have a good coach...this is not the Monson years. Tubby is going to land a top rated class every so often but he doesn't need to to win. He needs to have players that can play and that he can coach up.

To these folks I say...get back to me after we start missing the tourney with regularity. That has not been the case yet.

We're paying Coach Smith too much money for a 4-5th place finish and a bubble performance. He's coming off one disappointing recruiting class (good on paper, bad on getting players in uniform), and another that's fair to call questionable.

The jury's still out in my eyes. He recruited his first two years, we'll see if there's a trend. Maybe floating his unhappiness about his facility situation to the national media and having his name appear with every opening is catching-up to him.

[minngg]

We're paying Coach Smith too much money for a 4-5th place finish and a bubble performance. He's coming off one disappointing recruiting class (good on paper, bad on getting players in uniform), and another that's fair to call questionable.

The jury's still out in my eyes. He recruited his first two years, we'll see if there's a trend. Maybe floating his unhappiness about his facility situation to the national media and having his name appear with every opening is catching-up to him.

Agree. Tubby is getting paid to produce more than middle of the pack Big Ten results. So far, Tubby has underwhelmed in recruiting outside of MN. This yearsteam looks like a middle of the Big Ten team again unless Mbwake plays. Losing the WI kid to VA of all places would be a bad sign.

[march madness]

When Tubby came in and got that first recruiting class, I thought it was signs of things to come. I thought we'd have one like that at least every other year. Then I had visions of big ten championships and long tourney runs.

I have revaluated my expectations. I think we will have average recruits for the big ten. We will make the tourney most years and might even with a game. I don't see us winning to many conference championships anymore. We will definitely be a notch above what Monson gave us. But to expect us to challenge the Michigan St, Purdue, and Ohio St. year in and out just doesnt look like its going to happen.

[march madness]

I watched the Ross Travis video. Looks like a good talented prospect. A 6'7" player at 205 lbs with perimeter skills. Sounds like he doesnt put up great numbers? He looks like he has a great spin move, good passing skills, and a decent athlete.

[Friend Of Tubby]

How can that happen? Have we even one 4 star player that actually has interest? Our recruiting area has definately shrunk as Iowa now seems to be our southern limit. It's like they've given up trying to recruit, expect an 8th, 9th or 10th place in the Big Ten recruiting battles.

Actually 3 have interest - Coleman, Jesperson, and Oglesby. They are considered the #1 seniors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa (respectively). Each expected to wind up Top 100 or better.

[The-Real-Truth]

Thanks for the update Johnny. I think folks are trying to play arm chair coach / recruiters of late. Last I checked, Bo rarely lands a top rated recruiting class yet they seem to win pretty much every year. I think Tubby is every bit the coach that Bo is so I am no worried ONE BIT. People need to remember, we have a good coach...this is not the Monson years. Tubby is going to land a top rated class every so often but he doesn't need to to win. He needs to have players that can play and that he can coach up.

To these folks I say...get back to me after we start missing the tourney with regularity. That has not been the case yet.

Great post. Thank you.

Go Gophers

[Gopher Warrior]

Actually 3 have interest - Coleman, Jesperson, and Oglesby. They are considered the #1 seniors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa (respectively). Each expected to wind up Top 100 or better.

Consider #1 by some... I think each has a chance to flirt with being a Top 100, but expected might be a stretch.

I was at the game two nights ago as well... Ross' highlights of the night were probably during the pregame dunks, but he had a good looking second half.

Was pleased to see National Champion Carlos Emory on the floor for PNR.. early on, he threw down a pretty jam on an alley oop and with his athleticism certainly had his moments.. but, overall kind of frustrating. Looked a little bit disinterested and/or frustrated at times, and other times too interested (i.e. forcing and turning it over and missing shots).

He was a big part of Howard's championship season so he's shown he can be a winner. If he can put it all together consistently, could be a nice player for someone. Looking forward to seeing more of him in person this summer.

[Go Gophs eh?]

Well I like the sound of Oglesby, but I wish we'd land Jesperson, Coleman, and maybe a PG or PF, whos with me on that? I think if not Jesperson and Coleman, Travis and Oglesby aren't bad backups.

[GophersOnTheRise]

Coleman and Jesperson are definitely the two guys I want the most (out of the guys we have a realistic chance at).

[fan of Ray Williams]

I would think they have to lock up Coleman. With Jesperson mentioning Virginia in his interview and heading out there to the camp in lieu of a camp in Wisconsin (IIRC), makes me wonder.

[Go Gophs eh?]

From what people are saying on recruiting websites and just in general, it sounds like Oglesby can play some point. Imagine that line up, PG=oglesby SG=Coleman SF= Jesperson PF= Eliason C= Walker, (this lineup is ofcourse down the road when these guys are juniors and seniors) those guys can all hit the outside shot, this would really strech the D

[steffyboy]

Jesperson apparently played rather well at the Virginia elite camp, and was offered by Tony Bennett at the recommendation of his father, Dick. Sounds like Paul could have a few more Big 10 offers in the near future as well.

Uthoff currently has offers from UW, Illinois and Iowa, among others. I will be surprised if he does not end up in the Big 10.

Here is what I posted on the Badger board after last night's 43 Hoops / PNR game:

"My primary interest in this game was Ross Travis, the 6’7” SF from Chaska who plays with 43 Hoops. Travis definitely looks the part, as he has good height, long arms and is a very good athlete. Warm-ups were essentially a dunk contest, with Travis throwing down some rather impressive slams. When I watched Travis this past winter, I was very impressed with his ball-handling and passing, as he truly is a perimeter player, even at 6’7”. He apparently did a decent amount of ball-handling for Chaska during the season, and he did so again tonight. He did not shoot the ball real well this evening, though he did hit a big 3 down the stretch in the second half after PnR had cut into 43 Hoops’ lead. One thing I did not notice last time was that he pulls the ball back a little far before he releases the shot. It’s not a sling shot from behind the head, but it’s also not a text book release. If he’s going to be a SF at the next level, which I definitely think he can be, that may be something that needs a little improvement. I was also very impressed with his defense. With his height and length, and how well he moves, he could be a great perimeter defender, both on the ball and in the passing lanes. He did a very solid job in one-on-one situations this evening, and was in good help-side position to draw a couple charges. The knock on Travis has been his lack of productivity, which was the case again tonight. He very little to be noticed in the first half, save for drawing one charge, but he was mixing it up physically in the second half, scored on a tough 3-point play and hit the 3 mentioned above on his way to 12 second half points. For me personally, the things I would look for in a SF are solid athleticism and an ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. Travis fits into that mold very well. That said, his only high major offers to date are Iowa St. and Oregon St., neither of which are very prominent in their respective conferences. Not sure what is missing, but he just need to put things together to be a consistent producer. If that happens, he could be a great prospect, maybe the best in Minnesota’s 2011 class because of his size and versatility.

With UW only having one scholarship left for 2011 and Travis without a Badger offer, I don’t know if or how seriously the UW staff is pursuing Ross. I did talk to a few people I trust tonight, and it doesn’t sound like UW has been real active in Travis’ recruitment of late. I think it’s fair to say he’s down the priority list a bit, behind Jarrod Uthoff at the very least, and probably Sam Dekker as well in light of his offer tonight. However, I do hope the Badgers continue to monitor him in case they miss on the guys they have offered."


I mentioned this in a post a while back, Tony Bennett grew up playing basketball with Jesperson's coach Kurt Soderberg. Soderberg's brother Brad, coached with and played for Dick Bennett at UWSP and UW. That is one of the main reasons Jesperson has Virginia at the top of his list currently. FYI Virginia had a solid class last year and is building on that. I don't expect us to be seeing them toward the bottom of the ACC too much longer.

[Mulligan]

From what people are saying on recruiting websites and just in general, it sounds like Oglesby can play some point. Imagine that line up, PG=oglesby SG=Coleman SF= Jesperson PF= Eliason C= Walker, (this lineup is ofcourse down the road when these guys are juniors and seniors) those guys can all hit the outside shot, this would really strech the D

Yes, but where will Royce play?

[Go Gophs eh?]

Yes, but where will Royce play?

Can't tell if thats sarcasm, a joke, or being serious as this is the internet and I can't read emotions. So good joke?:cool:

Oglesbys shot reminds me of Stephen Curry's jumper. Very similar players as I watch this highlight video on Youtube.

[howeda7]

I mentioned this in a post a while back, Tony Bennett grew up playing basketball with Jesperson's coach Kurt Soderberg. Soderberg's brother Brad, coached with and played for Dick Bennett at UWSP and UW. That is one of the main reasons Jesperson has Virginia at the top of his list currently. FYI Virginia had a solid class last year and is building on that. I don't expect us to be seeing them toward the bottom of the ACC too much longer.

It is a good recruting class, but the roster has been completely gutted of the little talent it did have when Bennett arrived (Sylvan Landesburg, etc.) Therefore, it's going to take more then 1 good recruiting class to get back to competing in the ACC.

[Gopher Warrior]

Oglesby got some folks in Champaign more interested with his performance on Thursday... one game, he matched up with Mychael Henry when Cedar Rapids Washington took on Chicago Orr.. very good showing for the kid at the Illinois Team Camp.

http://cdn.news-gazette.com/photos/galleries/1617_ui_team_camp/0625SPOR13UICamp.jpg

[Go Gophs eh?]

Thats not good. Illinois is recruiting like Kentucky lately, they get everyone they want.

[Gopher Warrior]

Illinois offered Oglesby today.

Uthoff cut his list to six, but may consider new schools in the coming weeks: Iowa State, Iowa, Northern Iowa, Illinois, Butler and Wisconsin

[KSBGopher]

We're paying Coach Smith too much money for a 4-5th place finish and a bubble performance. He's coming off one disappointing recruiting class (good on paper, bad on getting players in uniform), and another that's fair to call questionable.

The jury's still out in my eyes. He recruited his first two years, we'll see if there's a trend. Maybe floating his unhappiness about his facility situation to the national media and having his name appear with every opening is catching-up to him.

I can't help but think it's just a trend. All of us are aware of the issues that arose from the White and TM situations, let alone losing Nolen to academic issues. Losing these players not only hurt our season last year, but it probably hurt recruiting too. Recruiting prospects onto a team with two players that had pretty serious issues with the law isn't exactly an easy job: parents and coaches see the problems that Minnesota had and are more likely to influence their players to join different teams. But it would be a mistake to place all the blame from the disappointing 2009-2010 season on Tubby's shoulders.

Last season was an anomaly for Tubby and his coaching record. The Gophers should keep Tubby on the job and their expectations for the team high with him coaching. I think we will see some runs at the NCAA within the coming years, along with some good recruiting classes.

[scher215]

I can't help but think it's just a trend. All of us are aware of the issues that arose from the White and TM situations, let alone losing Nolen to academic issues. Losing these players not only hurt our season last year, but it probably hurt recruiting too. Recruiting prospects onto a team with two players that had pretty serious issues with the law isn't exactly an easy job: parents and coaches see the problems that Minnesota had and are more likely to influence their players to join different teams. But it would be a mistake to place all the blame from the disappointing 2009-2010 season on Tubby's shoulders.

Last season was an anomaly for Tubby and his coaching record. The Gophers should keep Tubby on the job and their expectations for the team high with him coaching. I think we will see some runs at the NCAA within the coming years, along with some good recruiting classes.

I believe that last year showed us, actually what a great coach tubby is. he took a team missing two of its top 3 recruits and its starting pg and led them to the ncaa tourney and a near big ten tournament championship. thats pretty impressive if you ask me.

[Friend Of Tubby]

I believe that last year showed us, actually what a great coach tubby is. he took a team missing two of its top 3 recruits and its starting pg and led them to the ncaa tourney and a near big ten tournament championship. thats pretty impressive if you ask me.

I think 2010 was just fair. Gophers were capable of 5 more W even without Nolen, White or Mbakwe.

It "should" have been a 25+ W season for the Gophers. It "could" have been 30 W with the other 3 players.

[MN1nAZ]

I believe that last year showed us, actually what a great coach tubby is. he took a team missing two of its top 3 recruits and its starting pg and led them to the ncaa tourney and a near big ten tournament championship. thats pretty impressive if you ask me.

+1

[HardwoodElite]

If anyone is interested, here are some new highlights of Josh Oglesby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmTKo8kzanQ

[KSBGopher]

I think 2010 was just fair. Gophers were capable of 5 more W even without Nolen, White or Mbakwe.

It "should" have been a 25+ W season for the Gophers. It "could" have been 30 W with the other 3 players.

I feel like we've had this discussion on another thread. But last year can't be thrown on Tubby's shoulders completely. With the drama outside the court and players talking about transferring towards the end of the reg. season (read: Carter and Cobbs), it was difficult to manage that team and bring them to their full potential.

Given what the short roster and all the drama, I say the run the Gophs had at the end of the season was absolutely stellar, enough so to call last season a good one for Tubby. Runner-up in the BTT and giving Xav (a great team) a run for their money.

[fan of Ray Williams]

As far as 2011, I was just looking at Scout's ratings of players and I swear I had to get down to the 289th player before I found someone from Minnesota. Nick Latzke from Minnetonka, page 8. Coleman was on page 9. I know they go by stars (both 2 stars) and they might not differentiate the highest 2 star from the lowest, but man that is deep. Honestly, I had to remind myself, yes Minnesota is a state. Do they honestly scout? http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&yr=2011

[UWOle]

Little tidbit on Ross Travis:

"Ross Travis - Travis continues to make plays with his live body, strength, and skills off the dribble. His shot wasn't falling, but he found a way to make an impact in other ways. He attacked of the dribble, rebounded like crazy, and also did a good job on the defensive end. It wasn't his best game because he just didn't score like he is capable, but still Travis is someone to keep in mind who could blow up with a strong summer performance...

Minnesota and Butler are tracking every move that Ross Travis makes."

http://minnesotapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1101626

[jovs]

As far as 2011, I was just looking at Scout's ratings of players and I swear I had to get down to the 289th player before I found someone from Minnesota. Nick Latzke from Minnetonka, page 8. Coleman was on page 9. I know they go by stars (both 2 stars) and they might not differentiate the highest 2 star from the lowest, but man that is deep. Honestly, I had to remind myself, yes Minnesota is a state. Do they honestly scout? http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&yr=2011

Each scouting service is different, ESPN has Coleman rated 65th with a rating of 96 which is quite high. I think White was rated a 94.

[JohnnyGopher]

Ross Travis just picked up and Iowa offer and Minnesota is definately picked up there recruitment of him after his strong play at Tubby's Team Camp. I have a feeling an offer may come before the summer is over but alot could depend on what happens with Jesperson, oglesby, and Coleman.

Shelby Moats just picked up offers from Butler and Northwestern.

Iowa, Notre Dame, and Oregon State are the latest to offer Paul Jesperson.

[UWOle]

Oglesby was just offered by Butler and Northwestern as well.

[coolhandgopher]

Are the Butler and Northwestern coaches carpooling around the midwest this summer? :)

[BleedGopher]

Some tweets from Marcus:

"Gophers interest in Chaska's Ross Travis is growing, but will they offer him a scholarship? Travis playing well at NY2LA Summer Jam in WI."

"Paul Jesperson adds two more offers with Oregon St and Iowa. Joe Coleman picks up offers from Iowa St and Seton Hall. Should Gophers worry?"

JohnnyGopher said tonight that Colorado also offered Coleman.

Go Gophers!!

[MN1nAZ]

Some tweets from Marcus:

"Gophers interest in Chaska's Ross Travis is growing, but will they offer him a scholarship? Travis playing well at NY2LA Summer Jam in WI."

"Paul Jesperson adds two more offers with Oregon St and Iowa. Joe Coleman picks up offers from Iowa St and Seton Hall. Should Gophers worry?"

JohnnyGopher said tonight that Colorado also offered Coleman.

Go Gophers!!

Yes! Definately worry. After all 99% of the things that I worry about never happen. TIC. Although Tubby's has not been overly productive with recruiting the past couple of classes, we can be confident that he will find a way to optimize the abilities of whatever he gets.

[Go Gophs eh?]

Yes! Definately worry. After all 99% of the things that I worry about never happen. TIC. Although Tubby's has not been overly productive with recruiting the past couple of classes, we can be confident that he will find a way to optimize the abilities of whatever he gets.

I'm sick of people saying Tubby can't recruit this early. 2008 4 star, 4 star, good 3 star, 2009, yes they didnt play but 4 star, 4 star, 3 star, 5 star, 2010, 3 promising 3 stars (Hollins shoud have been a 4) Mo walker almost was a 4, and 2 no stars, 1 bad year. Next year we have a good shot at a 4 star, 2 or 3 3 stars who are almost rated as 4 stars and probably should be (Travis, Oglesby, Jesperson) 2012, we are pursuing a 4/5 star center, 4 star SGs in patterson and Lomomba, 4 star Chambers. We'll be just fine after we get through this year.

[MN1nAZ]

I'm just sayin. Recruiting classes in the bottom half of the conference, or even in the middle, aren't the way to become a conf power or a sweet 16 constant. A "good shot" or "pursuing" doesn't count. Just ask CJ. W/out Tubby's coaching prowess and a little luck the Gophs definately won't get there w/out a practice facility.

[EG#9]

Some tweets from Marcus:

"Gophers interest in Chaska's Ross Travis is growing, but will they offer him a scholarship? Travis playing well at NY2LA Summer Jam in WI."

"Paul Jesperson adds two more offers with Oregon St and Iowa. Joe Coleman picks up offers from Iowa St and Seton Hall. Should Gophers worry?"

JohnnyGopher said tonight that Colorado also offered Coleman.

Go Gophers!!

Am I the only one who finds Marcus' tweets funny? Offers from Oregon State, Iowa, Iowa State, and Seton Hall...should the Gophers WORRY? This seems like the equivalent of the following hypothetical tweet by a Duke beat writer:
Austin Rivers picks up offer from Minnesota. Should Duke worry?

[Friend Of Tubby]

I'm just sayin. Recruiting classes in the bottom half of the conference, or even in the middle, aren't the way to become a conf power or a sweet 16 constant. A "good shot" or "pursuing" doesn't count. Just ask CJ. W/out Tubby's coaching prowess and a little luck the Gophs definately won't get there w/out a practice facility.

Div I coaches need to consistently sign Top 20 rated classes or better. Not every year but 2 of 3.

[UWOle]

Some tidbits from a couple free Rivals articles:

"Paul Jesperson - Things started out quite well for Jesperson. He hit a few threes, came off of screens to get open looks, and overall had it working. However after the hot start he cooled down in a big way. The Rotary guards began getting physical with Jesperson, and he struggled against their athleticism. There is no doubt that he is skilled, and no question that he can shoot the ball, but now Jesperson has to prove that he can do it against high level athletes. Overall the smarts are there with some skill, now he just needs to step it up against the best...

The crowd was thick for Paul Jesperson. He had head coaches from Virginia and Purdue. Also looking on was Butler, Michigan, Iowa, Notre Dame, Minnesota, and Northern Iowa."

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1102703


"Joe Coleman, SG, Howard Pulley- For the second day in a row, Coleman was getting buckets and doing it with efficiency. A strong, 6-foot-4 athlete who can get to the rim, he was also knocking down jumpers and getting to the line regularly. He was good for 32 points against the Drew Gooden Soldiers on an impressive 13-16 from the field and he's pushing for four star status."

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1102673

[Rouser]

JohnnyGopher said tonight that Colorado also offered Coleman.

Should Gophers Worry?

[NurumbiCongo]

Am I the only one who finds Marcus' tweets funny? Offers from Oregon State, Iowa, Iowa State, and Seton Hall...should the Gophers WORRY? This seems like the equivalent of the following hypothetical tweet by a Duke beat writer:
Austin Rivers picks up offer from Minnesota. Should Duke worry?

I'm with you, I not sure how Marcus guys sleeps at night.

His tweets all have a negative undertone a regular gloom and doom guy.

[fan of Ray Williams]

Some tidbits from a couple free Rivals articles:

"Paul Jesperson - Things started out quite well for Jesperson. He hit a few threes, came off of screens to get open looks, and overall had it working. However after the hot start he cooled down in a big way. The Rotary guards began getting physical with Jesperson, and he struggled against their athleticism. There is no doubt that he is skilled, and no question that he can shoot the ball, but now Jesperson has to prove that he can do it against high level athletes. Overall the smarts are there with some skill, now he just needs to step it up against the best...

The crowd was thick for Paul Jesperson. He had head coaches from Virginia and Purdue. Also looking on was Butler, Michigan, Iowa, Notre Dame, Minnesota, and Northern Iowa."

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1102703


"Joe Coleman, SG, Howard Pulley- For the second day in a row, Coleman was getting buckets and doing it with efficiency. A strong, 6-foot-4 athlete who can get to the rim, he was also knocking down jumpers and getting to the line regularly. He was good for 32 points against the Drew Gooden Soldiers on an impressive 13-16 from the field and he's pushing for four star status."

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1102673

Interesting. Just moments ago I was reading on TC Hoops Czar's website and this is similar to a comment he made. Jesperson has gaudy HS numbers playing in the northwoods. Jesperson's big games at the HP tourney were against lower teams. I'm still not convinced he'll do that against top competition as our top teams beat him up when he plays here. Coleman just keeps rolling along.

[98VQueens]

Wisconsin in the gym watching Shelby Moats again. Shelby has 6 rbs and 3 asts but 1 of 7 from field so far

Estan Tylers game is butter smooth. Handles, passing, shot, all looks great this morning.

http://twitter.com/RyanJamesMN

Some on the board have previously said he has an offer... Does he have an offer or are the Gophers just watching him? I recall someone also saying Saul Smith was very high on him.

[fan of Ray Williams]

Wisconsin in the gym watching Shelby Moats again. Shelby has 6 rbs and 3 asts but 1 of 7 from field so far

Estan Tylers game is butter smooth. Handles, passing, shot, all looks great this morning.

http://twitter.com/RyanJamesMN

Some on the board have previously said he has an offer... Does he have an offer or are the Gophers just watching him? I recall someone also saying Saul Smith was very high on him.

98, I did a search and came up with this..........it was posted 1-1-2010(I think) 3johnson
Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 8



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Yes, He was offered in July. The family is very private and did not go to the press.

[Blizzard]

Yes, He was offered in July. The family is very private and did not go to the press.

I remember Johnny Gopher being fairly specific in that there was not an offer made to Tyler.

[fan of Ray Williams]

Blizzard is correct on the Johnny Gopher post. JohnnyGopher
Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,885



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I know Tyler has been claiming an offer since the summer, but MN coaches say NO offer was ever made. I don't know what was said to him or how misleading it was, but this is getting pretty old and MN needs to clean this up and be much more specific.

[MN1nAZ]

I try to follow two D1bb teams. The Gophs and ASU. Tubby and Herb Sendek are former associates and I bleive that they are still very good freinds. Out of over 20 prospects on each of the 2011 'watching/offered' spreadsheet that I maintian, only Oglesby and Jesperson appear in both programs. I have speculated that they (TS & HS) don't care to butt heads on recruits and that they may even assist each other (with a player heads-up or a critique).

If my speculation is appropriate I wonder what the fact that only those two have been offered by both of them means? If anything?

[UWOle]

Sounds like Jesperson was very good this evening against what I would assume is a pretty athletic team:

"Junior SG Paul Jesperson exploded for 30 points including 8 trey balls but it wasn't enough as the Atlanta Celtics outlasted the Wisconsin Playmakers to advance to the 17U Quarterfinals of the Summer Jam."

http://www.ny2lasports.com/daily_dime_all.aspx?dimeid=848

[Gopher Warrior]

I try to follow two D1bb teams. The Gophs and ASU. Tubby and Herb Sendek are former associates and I bleive that they are still very good freinds. Out of over 20 prospects on each of the 2011 'watching/offered' spreadsheet that I maintian, only Oglesby and Jesperson appear in both programs. I have speculated that they (TS & HS) don't care to butt heads on recruits and that they may even assist each other (with a player heads-up or a critique).

If my speculation is appropriate I wonder what the fact that only those two have been offered by both of them means? If anything?

Because Arizona State offers every single high school and JUCO kid in the world, it's impossible for the Gophers to recruit kids that ASU has not offered.


Sounds like Jesperson was very good this evening against what I would assume is a pretty athletic team

Wonder what the current thoughts of MU and UW are on Jesperson...

[UWOle]

Wonder what the current thoughts of MU and UW are on Jesperson...


I would guess UW thinks they missed on their evaluation. They did not spend very much time recruiting Paul, and now he has developed into a kid who is definitely a high major player. That said, I would still think they would be pursuing other sorts of players, bigger forwards like Jarrod Uthoff. Duje Dukan comes in pretty highly regarded and is a similar type of player as Paul.

For MU, you would know better than I, but perhaps they don't think he fits into their style of play? You can never have enough shooters though.

Hopefully Paul finds a place that he is happy with. It would also be nice if it was a school where he is not going to burn UW (e.g. Minnesota) or MU (e.g. Notre Dame). :D

Here's a little more on Paul's play from yesterday:

"PAUL JESPERSON – 6’6” – SG – 2011 – WISCONSIN PLAYMAKERS
One of the most coveted perimeter shooting talents in the country, Jesperson continues to see his stock soar and anyone questioning his ability to score the basketball need only have witnessed his 30 point 8 trey ball effort where he almost single handedly defeated the powerful Atlanta Celtics by himself. In a lethal display of perimeter shooting it was Jesperson who left the crowd buzzing as he showed range and an ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways that was only stopped due to the depth and athleticism of the Celtics who survived in the end."

http://www.ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=576