'20 NY SG - Femi Odukale (Pittsburgh ---> Seton Hall ---> New Mexico)

[Jdrums#3]

Money has always been part of the process for those willing to cheat. Now, it’s legal, out in the open and anything goes.

It’s a good thing for student athletes that they benefit and they benefit from a process that is legal. Unfortunately, human nature and greed of some unscrupulous type boosters, for their own benefit and greedy satisfaction, will manipulate and game the system and the athletes.

Big time college football and basketball primarily, have attracted unscrupulous booster types and schools have benefitted from them. A number of coaches have benefitted, too (those who have collaborated with, emboldened and enabled unscrupulous boosters). Now the system has swung the other way to legalization and we are watching the unscrupulous boosters adapt, seek and search for ways to game the system in ways other schools and/or boosters can’t or won’t.

This free for some (not a free for all because not all have the resources or willingness or greed to compete legally or il-legally) IMHO, will continue until some entity steps in to set parameters (more so for basketball so that the national tournament can remain intact as long as it tips the table slightly towards the P5, draws interest nationally and makes enough money as opposed to football which is already too far gone) or the P5 schools eventually go off on their own.

For now, this is my developing sense from where I sit. Rant over.

[RAMFAN]

any news on the player in the thread title?

[RamStock]

I think the best approach at this point is to completely stop following these guys and any other transfer news and check back in two weeks and see if we were able to get anyone. There has been no movement at all.

[ramster]

Stealth

[Rhodymob05]

I think the best approach at this point is to completely stop following these guys and any other transfer news and check back in two weeks and see if we were able to get anyone. There has been no movement at all.

Exactly. Molasses.

[McRam]

I think this is a grand marketing plan. Archie wants to outdo Jim Harrick’s “slide” at midnight madness. So, this year, the team signing and introductions will be done the night of midnight madness. No announcements before then.

This info is from my sources!

[Blue Man]

If Dawes commits to SH, it may help us with Femi.
SH also has Richmond, Harris, Long (injured 21-22), freshman RS 4* Weston, plus 2 CG '22 recruits coming in.
Not even counting Rhoden who I assume will stay in the draft but can return.

Agreed, if the guard from Detroit (Davis) commits to Maryland I think it’ll definitely put us in the drivers seat, I’m just wondering why we haven’t heard anything for a while

Same. I just want to hear something!

I almost feel like it's better if we don't hear anything. All 3 commits feel like they've come out of nowhere.

[NYGFan_Section208]

Not hearing seems to be working out great so far. Plus, it frustrates the bejeezles out of some, so there's also that...

[Jdrums#3]

It is quiet with Femi regarding all the schools interested.

I just checked on updates for him and the is nothing. The last update pertains to Oregon’s interest on 4/22. So, his recruitment is very quiet overall, not just in relation to Rhody.

Is it possible he could return to Pitt? Is that option completely off the table?

[Jersey77]

It is quiet with Femi regarding all the schools interested.

I just checked on updates for him and the is nothing. The last update pertains to Oregon’s interest on 4/22. So, his recruitment is very quiet overall, not just in relation to Rhody.

Is it possible he could return to Pitt? Is that option completely off the table?

All options are open to him, including returning to Pitt (doubtful but possible)

[Rhody83]

I would agree that the likelihood of Femi returning to Pitt is doubtful (I would say very doubtful).

[McRam]

Wondering if the Femi “silence” might be related to academics.??

[Jdrums#3]

Wondering if the Femi “silence” might be related to academics.??

Could be. With all the NIL attention nationally, I never considered it could be academics related.

I hope we are still a potential landing spot.

[Jersey77]

Wondering if the Femi “silence” might be related to academics.??

Could be. With all the NIL attention nationally, I never considered it could be academics related.

I hope we are still a potential landing spot.

I hope so too.

But I have a feeling it is more NIL related or trying to find a favorable P6 landing spot.

[SmartyBarrett]

#74 on this list.

[Ramfan22]

Seton Hall just landed Clemson transfer Al-Amir Dawes as expected.

[CamsRams]

Maybe there’s a surprise during tonight’s event?

[Rhody83]

Interesting 12 out of the Top 20 have not committed yet.
26 out of Top 50 not committed
44 out of Top 100 not committed
PC’s top rated transfer was Devin Carter at #31. Hopkins was #36.

[Rhody_NYCT]

Maybe I am missing something, but it looks like the Mitchells aren't on top transfer list. That's odd.

[Rhody83]

Maybe I am missing something, but it looks like the Mitchells aren't on top transfer list. That's odd.

That is correct. Not related to the Twins but these ratings are suspect. Floyd Jr rated high (didn’t play). Diggins from UConn (7 points total this yr) who transferred to UMass was rated. Freeman first team all fr team and not rated.

[Rhody_NYCT]

Maybe I am missing something, but it looks like the Mitchells aren't on top transfer list. That's odd.

That is correct. Not related to the Twins but these ratings are suspect. Floyd Jr rated high (didn’t play). Freeman first team all fr team and not rated.

Definitely suspect. I saw a projected lineup for Arkansas (Top 10 preseason) and one of the Mitchells were in the starting 5. And that's not a top 100 transfer??

[sevegny7]

[Dino611]

I’m so confused why in gods name would he, they have so many guards lol, unless he just wants to be close to home

If he commits to them I feel like we might pull the trigger on Weston

[McRam]

Wondering if the Femi “silence” might be related to academics.??

Could be. With all the NIL attention nationally, I never considered it could be academics related.

I hope we are still a potential landing spot.

Pitt’s semester just ended so maybe that is why he kinda put things on hold to get through finals etc.

Could be he is now going to concentrate on making his decision.

Sure hopes he visits

[steveystuds06]

Didn’t Dawes commit as well? Why would he go there

[Jersey77]

Didn’t Dawes commit as well? Why would he go there

A little surprising Steve.
With Dawes (Clemson) and Davis (Louisville) transferring there, plus Richmond and Harris returning, he may not even start.
That doesn't even include a couple of freshmen CG recruits coming.

It does concern me that he is visiting SH, but his official visit to us never happened.

SH can use more quality depth with Rhoden departing for draft, and Weston, Powell, Conway, and Long all having entered the portal.

[sevegny7]

Didn’t Dawes commit as well? Why would he go there

A little surprising Steve.
With Dawes (Clemson) and Davis (Louisville) transferring there, plus Richmond and Harris returning, he may not even start.
That doesn't even include a couple of freshmen CG recruits coming.

It does concern me that he is visiting SH, but his official visit to us never happened.

SH can use more quality depth with Rhoden departing for draft, and Weston, Powell, Conway, and Long all having entered the portal.

Yeah Davis from Louisville and his younger brother. So two davis players are going there. Seems like a short sighted decision if he does indeed end up committing.

[CamsRams]

[steveystuds06]

Yup sucks.. I don't get it. Go play in an incredibly crowded backcourt..

[adam914]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

[steveystuds06]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

[Jdrums#3]

I agree with many who posted above. I’m not sure why he would commit to SH, as well. No idea why - I can only speculate. Maybe, it is NIL related?

I still have hope he comes to Rhody.

[adam914]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I know, just a joke.

[RamStock]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I think almost everyone on the board would actually realize that, but that is a typical thing that is said. If we ended up getting a guy we talk about how great he is and if a player leaves or picks somewhere else we talk about his flaws. Really had hoped we would get this guy. Having him and Freeman would have been big. It feels like Durugordon is a step down for sure and you can't get the feeling he is coming at this point anyway

[rhodylaw]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I think almost everyone on the board would actually realize that, but that is a typical thing that is said. If we ended up getting a guy we talk about how great he is and if a player leaves or picks somewhere else we talk about his flaws. Really had hoped we would get this guy. Having him and Freeman would have been big. It feels like Durugordon is a step down for sure and you can't get the feeling he is coming at this point anyway

I agree - it is a shitty things fans do (but it’s not just a Rhody thing, it’s a a defense mechanism for fandom in general). I will go on the record - I want Femi and Sean. I will not bash their games if they choose other places, I reserve the right to bash their destination. Femi in particular would likely be very good in the A10 as he was more then capable in the ACC.

[Jersey77]

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I think almost everyone on the board would actually realize that, but that is a typical thing that is said. If we ended up getting a guy we talk about how great he is and if a player leaves or picks somewhere else we talk about his flaws. Really had hoped we would get this guy. Having him and Freeman would have been big. It feels like Durugordon is a step down for sure and you can't get the feeling he is coming at this point anyway

I agree - it is a shitty things fans do (but it’s not just a Rhody thing, it’s a a defense mechanism for fandom in general). I will go on the record - I want Femi and Sean. I will not bash their games if they choose other places, I reserve the right to bash their destination. Femi in particular would likely be very good in the A10 as he was more then capable in the ACC.

I hope my post doesn't age well.
But at this point very doubtful Femi and Duru will happen.

Once Femi's visit was cancelled or whatever and nothing positive regarding Duru's visit, I pretty much gave up hope.

Yes the addition of both would have been nice, especially Femi, but time to move on.

Currently quiet since last Sunday, but things seem to happen unexpectedly.

[steveystuds06]

Uh oh...time to fire up the "we never really wanted him anyway" takes?

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I know, just a joke.

I know you’re joking but I actually agree that some people will say this.

[DeanDome88]

That's bullshit. He would instantly be our best player. He's a stud.

I know, just a joke.

I know you’re joking but I actually agree that some people will say this.

We definitely want the young man but he did not finish the season strong.

[steveystuds06]

I know, just a joke.

I know you’re joking but I actually agree that some people will say this.

We definitely want the young man but he did not finish the season strong.

Yes, that can happen. Players can be worn down especially when you're losing. This kid had some monster games in one of the best conferences in the country. He would drastically improve our backcourt. He and Bray are All A10 guards..

But whatever, he's going to Seton Hall. We aren't going to land all the players we want. Especially program-changing ones like Femi. We got one in Bray. Let's see who we get next.

[rambone 78]

If a recruit is waiting for the highest bidder, then we are at a disadvantage.....not saying that's the case here but if so then it's time to move on.
...

[rambone 78]

Let's cut to the chase here....if school A offers a recruit 25K a year, and school B offers 5K....where does anyone think he's going to go?

It's become a money grab, pure and simple.

The NCAA says they will crack down on outright large cash offers....sure they will...and I've got some prime oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you.

They however will go after the little guy, programs like Kansas can do whatever they want and get away with it.....that program has been cited for multiple major violations years ago, and what has been done about it? The NCAA will wait until everyone has forgotten about it, and then do nothing,

[Jdrums#3]

Let's cut to the chase here....if school A offers a recruit 25K a year, and school B offers 5K....where does anyone think he's going to go?

It's become a money grab, pure and simple.

The NCAA says they will crack down on outright large cash offers....sure they will...and I've got some prime oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you.

They however will go after the little guy, programs like Kansas can do whatever they want and get away with it.....that program has been cited for multiple major violations years ago, and what has been done about it? The NCAA will wait until everyone has forgotten about it, and then do nothing,

Bone, despite how calm I try to remain with the NCAA and try to give it the benefit of the doubt at times, I cannot disagree with your post. Their handling of certain issues and schools, as you point out, is frustrating and annoying. The NCAA has become nearly useless and incompetent. I say “nearly” instead of totally only because they still put on a good tournament.

In relation to the players however, and the money grab, our two recent signings give me hope that Archie will find hidden gems - that don’t think money first - that he can eventually mold into a NCAA Tourney worthy team.

I am glad you kept your post concise because I am trying to stay calm per doctors orders.

[ElmCityRhody]

as i have stated before - my opinion is "they" have ruined the game

[KevanBoyles]

Yup sucks.. I don't get it. Go play in an incredibly crowded backcourt..

FWIW Crystal Ball predictions are not always accurate on 247Sports.

[TruePoint]

Not always. But they’re also not always “predictions” either.

[KevanBoyles]

Not always. But they’re also not always “predictions” either.

Please expand.

[Iggy1979]

Any time a player visits someone will make a prediction. That's all it's based on. It's a game that they play to try to get highest score.

[Iggy1979]

Some of URI's future recruiting will be based on his decision so I hope this doesn't drag on too long.

[PeterRamTime]

Not always. But they’re also not always “predictions” either.

Please expand.

It means they have heard that player X is going to commit. They just aren't allowed to say it.

[steveystuds06]

Some of URI's future recruiting will be based on his decision so I hope this doesn't drag on too long.

I'm assuming we will know this weekend. Seton Hall is gonna be a big problem in the Big East. I hope they murder PC