They never were and we never should have expected them to be. Tyler Herro shot the exact same percentage from 3 here as he did in the EYBL last summer, and Keldon played the same side saddle and chase defense during most of the season as he did in AAU ball and on the All-Star circuit. They both improved a lot during the year but they were not starting from that strong a position to begin with.
Jaden mcdaniels.
- Thread starter Allcats08
- Start date
Right. Which really is the dilemma. Cal has to recruit well enough that at least one or two of these frosh are the real deal, and a reliable go-to player. Hopefully one or two (or three) of the guys next year are already that type of player or quickly becomes one.
Why do you have to see him in person? How does that matter? I would argue that you see more on TV or computer.
My question is where does Cal plan to play Brooks?
If Cal sees Brooks as a stretch 4, then adding McDaniels is kind of redundant. Brooks isn't as highly ranked, but has a much better motor. Assuming Montgomery and Richards are back with Sestina added in, we have a good four man rotation in the frontcourt (4 and 5 spots).
If Cal sees Brooks as a 3, then we need another body in the frontcourt. Of course, the best case scenario is we get Blackshear, but that's not even close to a sure thing.
Bottom line is if Cal wants him, then I am good with us adding him. Another 5-star player surely wouldn't hurt.
If Cal sees Brooks as a stretch 4, then adding McDaniels is kind of redundant. Brooks isn't as highly ranked, but has a much better motor. Assuming Montgomery and Richards are back with Sestina added in, we have a good four man rotation in the frontcourt (4 and 5 spots).
If Cal sees Brooks as a 3, then we need another body in the frontcourt. Of course, the best case scenario is we get Blackshear, but that's not even close to a sure thing.
Bottom line is if Cal wants him, then I am good with us adding him. Another 5-star player surely wouldn't hurt.
I think Brooks is a nice player and maybe even a bit underrated but some people here think way to much of him in my opinion. I don’t think he’s a starter but he can be a solid backup for the 3 or 4 spots off the bench. I’d personally love to add McDaniels so that he, Whitney, Sestina, and Brooks can all fight for those starting spots at the 3/4 and make each other better. Again, I don’t think Brooks would end up starting but the competition would do him well and he could be a much better sophomore.
Very true.
But most of our best teams have had very few question marks. History usually shows us that having a handful of them typically means pre-Final Four bow-out. Obviously the roster isn't complete, so most of this concern on my part is premature.
We do need another post player of substance obviously, and maybe one more perimeter scorer to supplement the loss of Baker and the injury to Allen.
I'm not making Brooks out to be an all-conference performer, but I think he could be a starter, depending on who we have and how Cal wants to play.
Right now, his competition for starting next to Montgomery is Sestina and Richards. I don't think it's totally out of the realm of possibility that he could outperform those guys.
Best case scenario is we get Blackshear and Cal starts Montgomery and Blackshear at the 4 and 5 with Sestina and Richards backing them up. Then Brooks and Whitney fight it out for the 3 with Hagans, Maxey, and Quickley rotating at the 1 and 2. That's a great 9-man rotation.
That would likely be our most talented team since 2015 as far as real contributions of depth.
No stars in that group, but that's fine. We'd have a sprinkling of first round talent in Hagans, Maxey, Whitney and maybe EJ. Some really good role players in Sestina, Brooks, Quickley, and Richards, and a potential 2nd round beast in Blackshear.
Rather have EJ back than Mcdaniels..
Brooks will be a slightly better version of Gabriel, if Gabriel had any handles..
I could live with that from him as a starter. Gabriel started part of the year as a Freshman and was decent for us.
He should be a decent fifth option with Hagans, Maxey, Whitney, and Montgomery (if we don't get Blackshear).
I just don't understand why we can't get a true big bruiser we have plenty of mins at the 5 for them. It isn't like Nick Richards is scaring anyone away! We haven't been able to get a good 5 for a few years! I know I always ride Justus and Barbee's backs about not getting it done recruiting but if Payne is the big guy coach why can't he get us a good big guy recruit?
I don't exactly agree with your take.
Cal has brought in a good to great 5 man most every year.
2010- Cousins
2011- Kanter (a beast for us if he could have played)
2012- AD
2013- Noel (was coming on pre-injury)
2015- KAT
2017- Bam
2019- Travis
In 2014 and 2016 we signed the best Center available (Johnson and Labisierre) according to rankings, but they just weren't quite as good as was hoped for. In 2014, we had a bruiser at the 4 (Randle) and a Soph shotblocker at the 5 (WCS) to supplement Johnson, so we were okay (until they both ended up injured). We had nothing in 2016 (which is why IU and Bryant rolled us).
2018 was the year we missed on an elite big man and the three best that year (Ayton, Bagley, Bamba) were allegedly on the take.
Now this season is a different story. Missing on Wiseman, Carey, and Stewart really hurts.
So, I'm not as doom and gloom on recruiting bigs as you are.
Our staff needs to step it up for this coming season and either develop Montgomery and/or Richards into solid college post threats or go out and reel in Blackshear.
I’m sorry we need mcdaniels. He’s the best available player and potential game changer by end of year. I’d be so happy if we landed him. Outside vt guy mcdaniels
This is spot on. It’s been done for a bit imo . Trainer already has his season tickets for next season
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anon_013cn8yrfncx2
Guest
What if someone offers EJ some guaranteed money in round 2, maybe even late first round money?
Don't know a thing about MacDaniels. Another body to compete against at a minimum. Don't think UK is in his future tho.
Don't know a thing about MacDaniels. Another body to compete against at a minimum. Don't think UK is in his future tho.
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anon_013cn8yrfncx2
Guest
Mcdaniels is the last high school kid with that super elite factor. Yes he’s the missing the link. Anyone who wanted him needs to get their head checked.
You dont know that> pure speculation.....I like him he just need s proper coaching
Just replying because of your avatar. Took my dog out last night and upon opening the outside door, there was a giant possum staring me down. Ugly *** creatures.