Arright, fellers.... with all the doom & gloom around here, it's time to share some mostly positive stuff I picked up tonight. Among my little mafia of current and former coaches I talk hoops with are a couple of guys who are involved with AAU, and one who has been a particularly good source for recruiting scuttlebutt, especially on regional kids. Anyway...
First, about Wendell Carter (2017):
- Carter played at Pace Academy down here for a coach who has been described as "clueless" on how to use him, and word is that's why he is transferring to a small school here in Fulton County (metro ATL).
- That brings up another positive on Wendell. This is a magnet public school for academically advanced students (which makes the transfer legit) and he fits that bill... strong student. The school is small (1A, I think) but has some talent and often plays above their classification.
- Wendell doesn't have a "handler" (good news for us!), and his strongest influence is his dad, who likes Roy (first name basis so I'm told), and the Carolina offer was expected but still a "big deal"
- Wendell is a true 5 with no aspirations of being a faux stretch 4. Has played most of his HS games vs smaller opponents and will need to improve footwork and post moves, but has terrific natural touch as well as strength, and more than held his own against elite 2016 bigs (including Giles) in AAU ball.
- as for our competition, dook has been on him hard but not seen as a likely destination, and contrary to assumptions about UK, dad is said not to be buying Cal's shtick. Biggest competition may be Ohio State. Gary Trent Jr, who is tight with Carter and favors OSU has been pushing a package deal, but most of that seems to be coming from Trent's camp, and was out there before Carter's UNC offer... plus Motta would have to do some fancy number manipulating to even have room (which of course he would likely manage)
- there's a general vibe that Carter is a perfect fit for UNC
So... that brings me to some 2016 info, and I've gotta be honest... this tidbit is so good (and shocking, given what we've all been hearing) I'm gonna hold it back and stew on it over night. Not trying to be coy... trust me, when I post it y'all will understand......
First, about Wendell Carter (2017):
- Carter played at Pace Academy down here for a coach who has been described as "clueless" on how to use him, and word is that's why he is transferring to a small school here in Fulton County (metro ATL).
- That brings up another positive on Wendell. This is a magnet public school for academically advanced students (which makes the transfer legit) and he fits that bill... strong student. The school is small (1A, I think) but has some talent and often plays above their classification.
- Wendell doesn't have a "handler" (good news for us!), and his strongest influence is his dad, who likes Roy (first name basis so I'm told), and the Carolina offer was expected but still a "big deal"
- Wendell is a true 5 with no aspirations of being a faux stretch 4. Has played most of his HS games vs smaller opponents and will need to improve footwork and post moves, but has terrific natural touch as well as strength, and more than held his own against elite 2016 bigs (including Giles) in AAU ball.
- as for our competition, dook has been on him hard but not seen as a likely destination, and contrary to assumptions about UK, dad is said not to be buying Cal's shtick. Biggest competition may be Ohio State. Gary Trent Jr, who is tight with Carter and favors OSU has been pushing a package deal, but most of that seems to be coming from Trent's camp, and was out there before Carter's UNC offer... plus Motta would have to do some fancy number manipulating to even have room (which of course he would likely manage)
- there's a general vibe that Carter is a perfect fit for UNC
So... that brings me to some 2016 info, and I've gotta be honest... this tidbit is so good (and shocking, given what we've all been hearing) I'm gonna hold it back and stew on it over night. Not trying to be coy... trust me, when I post it y'all will understand......
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