Kris Wilkes...

[mikeirbyusa]

I just don't believe that to any extent kids read message boards. They are too busy twittering or whatever you call it and making lists of 10 which at least 6 of which they have very little to no interest.

You don't have to believe it, but it goes on quite often. Ty was reading the trash posted about him when he hurt his toe. Meeks was reading the trash about him just last season. These are fine young men who CHOSE to come and play at UNC and deserve some slack from time to time.

 

[mikeirbyusa]

If that's the case then we should all do what @Hark_The_Sound_2010 said and go bash these recruits on duke's board. That would kill their recruiting.

NO, all that would do is get you banned.

 

[tarheel0910]

NO, all that would do is get you banned.

If it's going to help it's worth a try right?

 

[gauchoheel]

I just had to LOL at Heelfan58's comment that they're too busy making their "Top 17" schools list. On point.

I could imagine they look at their favorite teams' message boards from time to time. At least some of them do, if nothing else so they can see what people are saying about their recruitment. Must be pretty thrilling to see people talking about you as a 16-17 year old kid.

 

[Archer2]

I just had to LOL at Heelfan58's comment that they're too busy making their "Top 17" schools list. On point.

I could imagine they look at their favorite teams' message boards from time to time. At least some of them do, if nothing else so they can see what people are saying about their recruitment. Must be pretty thrilling to see people talking about you as a 16-17 year old kid.

Bingo. I think this happens more than most fans would imagine. These kids love being the center of attention, ergo why many drag their recruitment out when they have already decided for all practical purposes (see Ingram, Giles, etc...). Now how much negative message board posts have on where they matriculate, that's another thing. I would venture it has some effect but not a whole lot.

 

[gary-7]

If that's the case then we should all do what @Hark_The_Sound_2010 said and go bash these recruits on duke's board. That would kill their recruiting.

Hey, if you can incite the unwashed over there to do it, then.......

 

[DSouthr]

You don't have to believe it, but it goes on quite often. Ty was reading the trash posted about him when he hurt his toe. Meeks was reading the trash about him just last season. These are fine young men who CHOSE to come and play at UNC and deserve some slack from time to time.

Yeah, they do at times check in on message boards just to see what folks are saying, wouldn't you if you were in their shoes? I try to consider who may be reading when I say things I do. Now that doesn't mean I will not say something that a player or recruit may not like because I am going to say what I think based on what I see. I try hard to be honest and fair when I say things and I try to more critique than criticize a kid.

I don't say things like I don't want a particular kid to play for us if we are still recruiting him. I don't believe a kid makes his decision on where to play based off what some random guy on a message board says. I honestly believe they read things said on boards like this and laugh more than anything else. I do know this much, if the words from a single random fan like me causes a kid to eliminate UNC as his school of choice then that kid has a VERY fragile ego that is a much bigger problem than anything I will say here.

 

[gary-7]

SPOT-ON!

Couple that with the FACT that Kendall Marshall's Dad posted on 4 Corners often. Other recruits and their parents have not been as open as Dennis was but have been there too. Clint Jackson warns folks about this very thing. It DOES happen and quite frequently.

I know some of you love to bash Gary but he is dead right on this one. Carry on.

Yeah, Mike, I forgot to mention that some parents actually do post. I've seen that get very awkward and of course it's a fine line. Parents have to know their kids will get criticized on message boards once they play for a school, and if it's constructive criticism that's one thing, BUT when it crosses over into arbitrary and or unfair personal bashing then that's an issue... and if it's a potential recruit folks need to be careful ASSUMING recruit-X isn't coming here so let's just go ahead and trash him. Ya never know......

As for anybody bashing me, that's their issue not mine...

 

[gary-7]

You don't have to believe it, but it goes on quite often. Ty was reading the trash posted about him when he hurt his toe. Meeks was reading the trash about him just last season. These are fine young men who CHOSE to come and play at UNC and deserve some slack from time to time.

Yes, I know for a fact Kennedy read the message board garbage, and Roy was aware of it too (either directly or indirectly) as well as some of the media stuff --- and the way Roy handled it by defending him in public was perfect, and I can tell ya that meant a lot to Kennedy.

 

[truetarheelraider0806]

I will tell you this and then I am off this thread ingrim was COMING to UNC I til rashad mccants lie took the media by storm. Jalen Rose then started saying the men's team was going to get hammered and no matter how Roy tried to reassure the family espn had them scared to death to come to unc.
Helen kept saying Roy knew and how could he not. while in his 30 for 30 doc he says his coach knew nothing. what? espn is a powerful entity and once they start negatively talking about a progra. especially one as prestigious as UNC people listen. they want to see a blue blood who they figure cheated all along get hammered factes be damned. that is why ingrim didn't come here. to much negativity. But the parting shot he left was unnecessary. I wouldn't be at all surprised of someone out him up to that. he was coming then mccants happened damn.

 

[gary-7]

I will tell you this and then I am off this thread ingrim was COMING to UNC I til rashad mccants lie took the media by storm. Jalen Rose then started saying the men's team was going to get hammered and no matter how Roy tried to reassure the family espn had them scared to death to come to unc.
Helen kept saying Roy knew and how could he not. while in his 30 for 30 doc he says his coach knew nothing. what? espn is a powerful entity and once they start negatively talking about a progra. especially one as prestigious as UNC people listen. they want to see a blue blood who they figure cheated all along get hammered factes be damned. that is why ingrim didn't come here. to much negativity. But the parting shot he left was unnecessary. I wouldn't be at all surprised of someone out him up to that. he was coming then mccants happened damn.

There is little doubt --- as has been proven by them coming unhinged at men's basketball not getting charges --- that there are media types (ESPN, CBS and elsewhere) who absolutely had/have an anti-UNC agenda and ginned up the inevitability of us getting "hammered", and as Dave said so well, there is still a bit of a hangover that is affecting '17 recruiting.

Losing Ingram did not bother me, per se (not sure he would have fit into this team)... it was WHY we lost him. The amended NOA and last season's run (and hopefully this season's) will eventually mitigate that, but yeah, it was very real.

 

[Archer2]

Ingram is water way under the bridge. If he didn't feel comfortable about coming here, for whatever reasons, he was right not to. And he wasn't going to be given free reign here like he was at dook. He's a guy that did his obligatory year of college because he preferred that to a year in Europe or the NBDL. They are welcome to players like that.

 

[carolinablue34]

Anyone else think we have a real shot for Wilkes? I'm just skeptical because we weren't even in the running for this kid until recently. Is it plausible we land him? And PJ too?

 

[gary-7]

Anyone else think we have a real shot for Wilkes? I'm just skeptical because we weren't even in the running for this kid until recently. Is it plausible we land him? And PJ too?

If Roy puts out an offer for a '17 kid in late July before his senior season you can be sure there's at least a decent chance. No guarantees obviously but it ain't a shot in the dark ($1 to Ozzy Osbourne).
As for PJ we are very much in it and have been for a while.

 

[Archer2]

I'd love to sign PJ and I think we're solidly in the hunt. He's actually the only top 25 big that I feel that way about.

And I hope Nate Watson has a great visit in three weeks. He's a very strong 6-9/250 PF with great hands and power moves around the basket. I think we'll offer when he visits and I'm hoping he commits when we do.

 

[DSouthr]

Yes, we have a real shot at Wilkes, surprising but Roy knows something on this one. IT says a ton to me that just after getting the offer the kid sets out to visit us. Realize, Roy has offers out to 2 really talented 2018 wings, serious doubt Roy would have given those 2018 wings reason to think twice by an offer to Wilkes and as we know we not only have an offer out to Randolph but many feel we lead for him. So for Roy to offer this kid like he has means Roy at least feels he has not a good shot at this kid but a great shot at him.

Been kinda odd recruitment for Wilkes, you would think being an Indiana kid he would be a IU lock and yet prior to Roy's offer the buzz was MSU or maybe Michigan, IU in the picture but not as much locking him down. The last Indiana kid we got that was assumed to be a IU lock worked out pretty darn good for us, could Wilkes be the next one that does?

 

[carolinablue34]

We just had two people on 24/7 predict Wilkes to us. I hope it's an indication things are going in our favor.

 

[Steat]

Knox and Bamba are waiting to see who declares for the NBA at Duke, Kansas and Kentucky. They do not plan to make their decisions until next spring. UNC has a clear starting position for at least of one of them. A reasonable person would project that neither of these of these players are coming to UNC. Roy simply cannot wait for these decisions and take the chance of not getting some solid recruits. The Heels cannot afford to get shutout of bigs for 2017. Smart move on Roy's part, to say the least. UNC does not lead for Knox or Bamba. Implement Plan B and move on.

 

[gary-7]

Knox and Bamba are waiting to see who declares for the NBA at Duke, Kansas and Kentucky. They do not plan to make their decisions until next spring. UNC has a clear starting position for at least of one of them. A reasonable person would project that neither of these of these players are coming to UNC. Roy simply cannot wait for these decisions and take the chance of not getting some solid recruits. The Heels cannot afford to get shutout of bigs for 2017. Smart move on Roy's part, to say the least. UNC does not lead for Knox or Bamba. Implement Plan B and move on.

Knox and Bamba are not in the same conversation. Don't even think of Knox as a Big --- he sure doesn't --- and he's not likely coming here unless something changes. I rhink the Wilkes offer speaks to that.

Mo is a different story. That door is still wide open and depending on what transpires between now and November could stay open for a while.

 

[TPFKAPFS]

Washington and Bamba please! (Plan A)

Huffman/Watson and Wilkes! (Plan A-1)

Any combination of these plus Randolph! (Plan A-1a)

Roy is absolutely brilliant!

 

[carolinablue34]

PJ, Wilkes, Bamba, and Watson look to be our best bets for big men right now. I hope signing Coby won't deter Randolph.

 

[UNC&ME]

just read on Tar heel times, Wilkes, per twitter has trimmed his list to 11..a quick commitment hmm? and Washington isnt likely to sign early either...

 

[HeelFan58]

just read on Tar heel times, Wilkes, per twitter has trimmed his list to 11..a quick commitment hmm? and Washington isnt likely to sign early either...

trimmed his list to 11 that is hilarious. That's kinda like the hippie dude with hair down to his azz asking the barber to take off an inch or so.

 

[BillyL]

I believe the PJ Washington ship has sailed and the last i have read regarding Wilkes is that there is considerable work to do in that recruitment.

 

[HeelFan58]

I believe the PJ Washington ship has sailed and the last i have read regarding Wilkes is that there is considerable work to do in that recruitment.

agree...I think Roy said I need to know something and PJ didn't budge so he offered Wilkes.

 

[gary-7]

agree...I think Roy said I need to know something and PJ didn't budge so he offered Wilkes.

I highly doubt that happened.

 

[BillyL]

agree...I think Roy said I need to know something and PJ didn't budge so he offered Wilkes.

He certainly knows that PJ has cooled on UNC.

 

[HeelFan58]

He certainly knows that PJ has cooled on UNC.

6 warms and UNC not among them. Our success rate with Findley Prep is not good.

http://247sports.com/Recruitment/PJ-Washington-40933/RecruitInterests

Roy told Randle not to string teams along and poof UNC was eliminated shortly after.

 

[Sk1310]

He certainly knows that PJ has cooled on UNC.

Billy, hasn't PJ been busy with USA basketball. He really hasn't been recruited by anyone (other than Smart). I guess im just wondering where this info on PJ is coming from when he's had other priorities.

 

[DSouthr]

I believe the PJ Washington ship has sailed and the last i have read regarding Wilkes is that there is considerable work to do in that recruitment.

And what do you base that on?

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

It seems that some are viewing Wilkes as an alternative to PJ. Is that the case?

PJ has always struck me as a 4/3. Maybe a bit short for PF, but strong enough and with a good enough motor to make up for height.

Wilkes looks more like a pure SF. Same height problem playing PF, but without the strength to compensate.

Either one could grow inches and put on muscle, of course, but whereas I could see starting PJ as PF alongside Tony, I can't picture Wilkes in that role.

Knox strikes me as a 3/4. Not as strong as PJ but stronger than Wilkes. And an inch taller than either. He would be a fine SF that I wouldn't worry about sliding to PF.

I have been thinking that PJ and Knox would be perfect additions to our squad because they both have 2-position flexibility that would make sure we are covered at both spots. Add one more bigger big man and we are set.

 

[gary-7]

It seems that some are viewing Wilkes as an alternative to PJ. Is that the case?

PJ has always struck me as a 4/3. Maybe a bit short for PF, but strong enough and with a good enough motor to make up for height.

Wilkes looks more like a pure SF. Same height problem playing PF, but without the strength to compensate.

Either one could grow inches and put on muscle, of course, but whereas I could see starting PJ as PF alongside Tony, I can't picture Wilkes in that role.

Knox strikes me as a 3/4. Not as strong as PJ but stronger than Wilkes. And an inch taller than either. He would be a fine SF that I wouldn't worry about sliding to PF.

I have been thinking that PJ and Knox would be perfect additions to our squad because they both have 2-position flexibility that would make sure we are covered at both spots. Add one more bigger big man and we are set.

No, Wilkes is not an alternative to PJ (other than in some paranoid posters' heads). He is however a versatile Forward who the coaches likely see as giving us small-ball flexibility (a la Theo).

My concern with Knox is he seems determined to play away from the basket which may steer him elsewhere.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

If we really aren't going to get PJ, Carter or Bamba - or only one of them at best - don't we desperately need several more offers to big men?

I mean some of us think we need to sign 3 bigs, and all of us agree we need to sign at least 2. But right now we are looking at zero or 1.

Which raises obvious questions:

1. Is Roy holding off on offers to other bigs so they don't eat up the scholarships before our top targets make their intentions clear?

This could make sense. Maybe one of our insiders can let us know.

2. Is Roy re-gearing his system to play smaller with more outside shooting?

I don't really think that last one is true. Just seems too much of a change. But if I'm a man from Mars and am just judging by the guys he has signed and the guys he is recruiting, I might well think that's what Roy is doing. Some people look at the GSW saga and suggest that's the direction the game is going.

 

[gary-7]

If we really aren't going to get PJ, Carter or Bamba - or only one of them at best - don't we desperately need several more offers to big men?

I mean some of us think we need to sign 3 bigs, and all of us agree we need to sign at least 2. But right now we are looking at zero or 1.

Which raises obvious questions:

1. Is Roy holding off on offers to other bigs so they don't eat up the scholarships before our top targets make their intentions clear?

This could make sense. Maybe one of our insiders can let us know.

2. Is Roy re-gearing his system to play smaller with more outside shooting?

I don't really think that last one is true. Just seems too much of a change. But if I'm a man from Mars and am just judging by the guys he has signed and the guys he is recruiting, I might well think that's what Roy is doing. Some people look at the GSW saga and suggest that's the direction the game is going.

Honestly I think it's fair to say Roy is pragmatic as one must sometimes be in recruiting. Those three are obviously his primo targets who fit the system as well as being elite players, but he has others up his sleeve, be it a Watson or whoever.

I'm just gonna put this out there: Anyone who tells you they know we're not getting any of the three elite targets is just guessing and/or blustering. Could it work out that way? Sure --- there are only so many of those guys to go around. But it will NOT mean anyone knows anything. There's a lotta wishful thinking among the faithful (and "analysts" tied to certain programs) at this point.

To answer your direct questions, 1. Yes --- Roy is (quite properly) going all-in to secure at least one of the elite three Bigs we mentioned and isn't gonna give up all his schollies before summer is over. And 2. Yes, to some degree I think it's fair to say Roy is adjusting to look for more versatile players who can shoot --- especially at the Wing/Forward position --- as elite Bigs (who are willing to act like Bigs) become more scarce.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I appreciate the answers, Gary.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

BTW, I notice that one site says we have an offer out to Jarred Vanderbilt (6'8 200). Is that true? If not, is one coming?

I glanced at a clip and he looks very good. Another 3/4 (or maybe 4/3).

I notice that one of his top teams is said to be Texas. If he takes the Texas offer, how does that help us with PJ?

 

[gauchoheel]

If we really aren't going to get PJ, Carter or Bamba - or only one of them at best - don't we desperately need several more offers to big men?

I mean some of us think we need to sign 3 bigs, and all of us agree we need to sign at least 2. But right now we are looking at zero or 1.

Which raises obvious questions:

1. Is Roy holding off on offers to other bigs so they don't eat up the scholarships before our top targets make their intentions clear?

This could make sense. Maybe one of our insiders can let us know.

2. Is Roy re-gearing his system to play smaller with more outside shooting?

I don't really think that last one is true. Just seems too much of a change. But if I'm a man from Mars and am just judging by the guys he has signed and the guys he is recruiting, I might well think that's what Roy is doing. Some people look at the GSW saga and suggest that's the direction the game is going.

It seems to me like Roy only wants 2 bigs for this class (leaving us a four man rotation of Bradley. Maye, and the 2 new guys), given that he is targeting point guards and wings for 2017. Unless we're going to stop pursuing all the point guards now that Coby White is in the fold, I think signing 2 big men is the clear strategy.

If we assume that is the strategy, it makes perfect sense that Roy has so few offers out. He is looking to get one of the top bigs to start and a lower level big for depth. That could be Washington and Watson, for example. Given the visit scheduled in August we may be in a good position to add Watson already. So who else can you offer? We can't afford to have both big spots be filled by players outside the top 100, because one of them needs to be a starter as a freshman.

We need one top big or 2017 is likely to be more of a rebuilding year.

 

[carolinablue34]

Honestly I think it's fair to say Roy is pragmatic as one must sometimes be in recruiting. Those three are obviously his primo targets who fit the system as well as being elite players, but he has others up his sleeve, be it a Watson or whoever.

I'm just gonna put this out there: Anyone who tells you they know we're not getting any of the three elite targets is just guessing and/or blustering. Could it work out that way? Sure --- there are only so many of those guys to go around. But it will NOT mean anyone knows anything. There's a lotta wishful thinking among the faithful (and "analysts" tied to certain programs) at this point.

To answer your direct questions, 1. Yes --- Roy is (quite properly) going all-in to secure at least one of the elite three Bigs we mentioned and isn't gonna give up all his schollies before summer is over. And 2. Yes, to some degree I think it's fair to say Roy is adjusting to look for more versatile players who can shoot --- especially at the Wing/Forward position --- as elite Bigs (who are willing to act like Bigs) become more scarce.

So who do consider the three elite targets? Because if it's Carter, Bamba and Knox, we're not getting any of them.

I thought we had a good shot at PJ, but apparently that's not happening so now we're focusing on Wilkes.

 

[gary-7]

So who do consider the three elite targets? Because if it's Carter, Bamba and Knox, we're not getting any of them.

I thought we had a good shot at PJ, but apparently that's not happening so now we're focusing on Wilkes.

Huh? Go back and read the second paragraph of my post you quoted. Applies dead on point right here.

 

[carolinablue34]

Huh? Go back and read the second paragraph of my post you quoted. Applies dead on point right here.

Yeah I read it, so what?

First of all, I'd like to know specifically who these three elite targets you talked about are.

Second of all, you can claim all you want people saying we aren't landing any of them are just "blustering." I call it reality. The winds aren't blowing in our favor for most, if not all, of the top 5 or 6 big guys.

And lastly, why are you claiming "no one knows" anything? You're just grasping at straws trying to believe that somehow, someway, an elite top 15 prospect is coming our way when there has been no indication of that. That's your own wishful thinking.