With Stephenson opting for the pro ranks this class all of a sudden has a lot more pressure on it. While keeping in mind they are freshman I do have high hopes that at least a couple of them will have important roles on this team by seasons end. I’m also hoping that the Scholly freed up by “Thinks He’s Ready” will go to a top recruit who reopened his recruitment because of all the coaching changes. I’d rather Mick waited a year to use it than use it on someone who all of a sudden looks good because the top players are already committed. If he was a low D1 player a few months ago chances are he still is. On to the guys we have.
Freshman
Sean Kilpatrick: Reports are that he’s been very good in practice during his redshirt year. All the people I’ve talked to have VERY high expectations for this kid and some even expect him to be the leading scorer right out of the gate. I personally am taking a wait and see attitude. I hope he’s as good as we all want him to be but good in practice and good in the Big East are on opposite ends of the universe in my opinion.
Justin Jackson: Jackson a 6′8 Forward has been rising up the ranks on all the major recruiting sites. His performances this year in tourney’s and in the postseason have him all the way up into the 80’s in the ESPNU top 100. His hustle is off the charts for a high school player. Most reports on him say the same things. He uses his length to jump passing lanes and his scoring ability is great in the paint. He is limited handling the ball and he can’t shoot from outside. That’s ok though because he seems to recognize that and stays within his limits. I’m getting more and more excited about this kid.
Kelvin Gaines: The 6′10 Center should help right away on defense but we’ve heard that before. He will be a project on offense but his stock has been rising as well. My take is that you can never have to many big fellas. If he works hard and turns into a solid player that’s great. If you’re going to take a chance on a kid based on potential a player his size is the way to go.
Anthony McBride: A little Nepotizz going on for Yancy’s brother? A 6′2 Guard, he had plenty of D1 offers so he has some skill. Of course all the other schools were mid-major at best. On the bright side Deonta Vaughn had mostly mid-major schools interested in him and he turned out pretty good. Yes that’s a stretch.
Overall not a bad class. If Kilpatrick and Jackson are as good as advertised it could be great. We’ll see.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/shoutout/2010/04/17/uc-early-look-part-4-the-freshman/
Freshman
Sean Kilpatrick: Reports are that he’s been very good in practice during his redshirt year. All the people I’ve talked to have VERY high expectations for this kid and some even expect him to be the leading scorer right out of the gate. I personally am taking a wait and see attitude. I hope he’s as good as we all want him to be but good in practice and good in the Big East are on opposite ends of the universe in my opinion.
Justin Jackson: Jackson a 6′8 Forward has been rising up the ranks on all the major recruiting sites. His performances this year in tourney’s and in the postseason have him all the way up into the 80’s in the ESPNU top 100. His hustle is off the charts for a high school player. Most reports on him say the same things. He uses his length to jump passing lanes and his scoring ability is great in the paint. He is limited handling the ball and he can’t shoot from outside. That’s ok though because he seems to recognize that and stays within his limits. I’m getting more and more excited about this kid.
Kelvin Gaines: The 6′10 Center should help right away on defense but we’ve heard that before. He will be a project on offense but his stock has been rising as well. My take is that you can never have to many big fellas. If he works hard and turns into a solid player that’s great. If you’re going to take a chance on a kid based on potential a player his size is the way to go.
Anthony McBride: A little Nepotizz going on for Yancy’s brother? A 6′2 Guard, he had plenty of D1 offers so he has some skill. Of course all the other schools were mid-major at best. On the bright side Deonta Vaughn had mostly mid-major schools interested in him and he turned out pretty good. Yes that’s a stretch.
Overall not a bad class. If Kilpatrick and Jackson are as good as advertised it could be great. We’ll see.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/shoutout/2010/04/17/uc-early-look-part-4-the-freshman/
