‘19 OH PF Josaphat Bilau (Wichita St. > New Mexico JC > URI)

[SGreenwell]

Josaphat Bilau - PF
Hometown: La Roche-Sur-Yon, France
School: SPIRE Academy - Geneva, Ohio
Travel / AAU: Unknown
Twitter: @jb_243
Instagram: josaphat_b

Ht: 6'10"
Wt: 230

- Transferred from Wichita State following the 2020-21 season. Statistics here.
- Transferred from New Mexico JC following the 2021-22 season. Statistics here.

Rankings - 2019
247 Sports: 3 stars, 0.8578 composite score, 468 nationally, 93rd PF nationally, 15th overall in Ohio
Verbal Commits: 2 stars / unranked

Offers - 2019
Wichita State
Georgetown
Georgia Tech
Illinois
Kansas State
Penn State
Tennessee
Texas Tech
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest

[steveystuds06]

I love Archie Miller!!!!!!

[theblueram]

Out of the Bilue!!!

[CamsRams]

How many years of eligibility?

[4Diffs]

Fun fact - he played his last year of High School with Lamelo Ball who was the third pick in the 2020 NBA draft after Anthony Edwards (looks like a stud) and James Wiseman (jury still out but amazing that Golden State is heading to the NBA finals and this guy drafted second has not played at all this year).

Big body, stats are underwhelming but we need a big to hold down the paint, rebound. Will see how he works out.

[Rhody74]

Just when things seem quiet …. Archie and the gang gettin it done.

[hrstrat57]

The Rhody Recruiting Stealth Train just keeps on rolling!!

Insiders be gone! Just look at that offer list!!!

Love it!!!

[Dino611]

3 years of eligibility, me gusta…….

[Dino611]

And part 2, I wonder what happens with N’Guessan now

[ramster]

The Rhody Recruiting Stealth Train just keeps on rolling!!

Insiders be gone! Just look at that offer list!!!

Love it!!!

That offer list is from 2019.
Is there an offer list of schools for May 2022?

[Rhody15]

Out of the Bilue!!!

Not a 4* star though, you must hate this signing.

[adam914]

And part 2, I wonder what happens with N’Guessan now

Wondering this as well. I'm assuming it probably means N'Guessan chose somewhere else.

[RIFan]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn’t even start most games.

[theblueram]

Out of the Bilue!!!

Not a 4* star though, you must hate this signing.

Checked CBS and ESPN. No report of this signing. None. Zilch. Nada.

[steveystuds06]

The Rhody Recruiting Stealth Train just keeps on rolling!!

Insiders be gone! Just look at that offer list!!!

Love it!!!

You seem to have issues with insiders huh?

I love players like Jason Francis and Iffy that were monsters and bullied their opponents. IMO it's always good to have a player like that on the roster. He won't do much on the offensive end, but he'll protect the rim and rebound.

[LoveThoseRams]

I love this under the radar, stealthy recruiting!

[Rhody15]

Out of the Bilue!!!

Not a 4* star though, you must hate this signing.

Checked CBS and ESPN. No report of this signing. None. Zilch. Nada.

Ok so then why the seemingly positive post with multiple exclamation points?

Sending mixed signals here.

[theblueram]

Not a 4* star though, you must hate this signing.

Checked CBS and ESPN. No report of this signing. None. Zilch. Nada.

Ok so then why the seemingly positive post with multiple exclamation points?

Sending mixed signals here.

I posted 7 minutes after Steve posted. I hadn't even looked into it. Just threw a quip using his name as these recruits are under the radar. I don't send mixed signals.

[Dino611]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn’t even start most games.

I have a feeling this is a big that will start in the beginning of the year, and as the year goes along Foumena will develop more and replace him in the starting lineup

[LoveThoseRams]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn’t even start most games.

Some reports that he was struggling with injuries, that could account for the juco stats.

[CamsRams]

3 years of eligibility, me gusta…….

2019-20 - Reshirt Year
2020-21 - Freshman Year (Free Covid Year)
2021-22 - JUCO (counts as Year of eligibility).

Typically, student athletes are granted five years to play four seasons of their sport; However, due to the non-traditional 2020-21 sports season caused by COVID-19, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) extended this eligibility to six years.

So it looks like he has three years left. Does this make sense? Please correct me...

[Ramulous]

I like getting foreign kids even if they don’t work out because it could create a perception that we are a good destination in the United States

As an observation I believe we are not equipped to offer the kind of $ a lot of the transfer kids are looking for just yet. So we will get high schoolers and jucos for now.

I have no inside info on the last theory.

[Iggy1979]

Do not underestimate Coach Amadou's help here.

[steveystuds06]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn't even start most games.

In the games, he got minutes, he had sold rebounding numbers and blocked shots. He was hurt at certain moments during the season. I'll do a deeper dive later, but he looks like he averaged around 7.5 rebs and close to 2 blocks in the games in 20 mins or more.

I know JUCO's stats aren't always updated accurately but he had a few games where he blocked 4 or 5 shots. This team desperately needed a bully in the post that will battle. A guy that can come in right away and defend at this level while our younger bigs develop.

I have a feeling this kid is going to be a fan favorite. He won't put up big numbers, but he'll do the dirty work.

It's all about fit. Archie knows what this team needs.

[Blue Man]

Jason Francis size vibes. The names that were after him tell me his upside is much better than Jason Francis.

Depth and size, but a project who could benefit from our coaching. W signing.

[Jdrums#3]

I love this under the radar, stealthy recruiting!

I have a love / hate relationship with the stealth recruiting. I don’t like the quiet time it causes on KB But, I love it on days like today. It’s like a Christmas morning surprise.

As to the player…if this staff wants him then, I like him. With this staff, I don’t over emphasize a player historical data because I trust the coaching will make them better players eventually.

[Jersey77]

I love his size and we can always use a rim protector and rebounder, having his defense in the paint is a plus.

With all our bigs combined, they still only have a total of 12 games Div. 1 experience.

I wouldn't be surprised if Archie still brings in a veteran, maybe even a grad transfer who won't tie up a scholarship for more than a year.

[Rhody74]

Do not underestimate Coach Amadou's help here.

The French Connection

[Billyboy78]

Looks like he only started playing basketball in his early teens, so there's still a lot of room to learn and develop with good coaching.

[Jersey77]

For those that are interested or pay attention to this stuff, he is ranked #95 of the top 100 Juco's 2022.

"Our national and regional staff have collaborated on our initial JucoRecruiting.com Top 100 Player Rankings for the 2022 JUCO class. These rankings are based on a combination of production at the JUCO level and the player's projected performance at the next level, amongst other things. "

https://www.jucorecruiting.com/junior-c ... %20rows%20

As long as Archie and the staff like him, that's what counts.

[jcru]

Stealthy A.F. got some groceries.

Now we have to see how he cooks the meal.

[TruePoint]

Do not underestimate Coach Amadou's help here.

The French Connection

[Jdrums#3]

Have some French pastry (old Al Maguire reference - a coaching and commentator favorite of mine) with that meal, Jcru.

[Rhodymob05]

This is the size that gets us from pretenders to contenders. I love this pick up.

[Jdrums#3]

Josaphat…that’s all name team potential, right there.

[Rhody15]

This is the size that gets us from pretenders to contenders. I love this pick up.

Contenders for what, exactly? The A10 title? Bubble team?

This kid being 6’10 is what makes you say we’re contenders now? Only his size?

He did nothing at Wichita St, and was injured and had average stats in JUCO.

We definitely needed a big, but would love an explanation as to how an unknown player now makes us “contenders.”

[steveystuds06]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn’t even start most games.

I have a feeling this is a big that will start in the beginning of the year, and as the year goes along Foumena will develop more and replace him in the starting lineup

Maybe I'm wrong but I think Foumena is the starting 5. Unless we get one more vet big.

[Jdrums#3]

Not sure how I feel, this is a definite wait and see. Nice size, but those stats even at juco are underwhelming, looks like he didn’t even start most games.

I have a feeling this is a big that will start in the beginning of the year, and as the year goes along Foumena will develop more and replace him in the starting lineup

Maybe I'm wrong but I think Foumena is the starting 5. Unless we get one more vet big.

Maybe someone like Haase from Mercer? Jersey posted about him earlier today before the news broke on Phat. I believe it was in the transfer carousel thread.

I’m having another brain fart but, iirc, he’s a grad transfer big. Good experience and good stats, too.

[SGreenwell]

I think it's a nice pick-up - size is size. Since he didn't play much at Wichita State, and there are conflicting reports about his health at New Mexico, I don't really know if he's going to be a day one contributor. But, he has the kind of profile that you take a chance on. Between Bilau, Samb and Foumena, I still think we could take on at least one more big man, whether that's another project or someone experienced. (I'm kind of expecting another wave of transfers after the 2022-23 season for us, after the minutes shake themselves out.)

[Rhodymob05]

This is the size that gets us from pretenders to contenders. I love this pick up.

Contenders for what, exactly? The A10 title? Bubble team?

This kid being 6’10 is what makes you say we’re contenders now? Only his size?

He did nothing at Wichita St, and was injured and had average stats in JUCO.

We definitely needed a big, but would love an explanation as to how an unknown player now makes us “contenders.”

Size in general is a contributing factor to most teams success. This roster has balance. I also trust that Archie didn’t pick up a bum purely for his size.

[Jersey77]

This is the size that gets us from pretenders to contenders. I love this pick up.

Contenders for what, exactly? The A10 title? Bubble team?

This kid being 6’10 is what makes you say we’re contenders now? Only his size?

He did nothing at Wichita St, and was injured and had average stats in JUCO.

We definitely needed a big, but would love an explanation as to how an unknown player now makes us “contenders.”

Size in general is a contributing factor to most teams success. This roster has balance. I also trust that Archie didn’t pick up a bum purely for his size.

Again, contending for what and when, certainly not the A10 title in 22-23?

Are you even aware of our competition and their rosters for this upcoming season?

Our team has so many question marks this season, we won't even be in the discussion.

We all love the Archie hire and his staff, plus his philosophy on assembling this team for the long-term.
But please pump the breaks for 22-23.

We have a nice balance of size and potential.
But no proven star power.
We basically have a new roster which is very young, inexperienced, and they will need to develop as individual players along with team chemistry.

Our future may be bright, but it will take a little time.

[rhodyblue12]

Man, Rhodymob5 is just showing his excitement over this signing.
People have to stop picking apart every word of every post.
Do we really want a page where folks are not allowed to be happy about the team?

Keep posting RM5, don't let them drag you down.

[Rhodymob05]

Thank you Rhody blue lol

[Jersey77]

Man, Rhodymob5 is just showing his excitement over this signing.
People have to stop picking apart every word of every post.
Do we really want a page where folks are not allowed to be happy about the team?

Keep posting RM5, don't let them drag you down.

Yes, I admire his enthusiasm.

And we all like who Archie is bringing in.

But we must also try to keep it real and stay a little grounded.

[Blue Man]

Contenders for what, exactly? The A10 title? Bubble team?

This kid being 6’10 is what makes you say we’re contenders now? Only his size?

He did nothing at Wichita St, and was injured and had average stats in JUCO.

We definitely needed a big, but would love an explanation as to how an unknown player now makes us “contenders.”

Size in general is a contributing factor to most teams success. This roster has balance. I also trust that Archie didn’t pick up a bum purely for his size.

Again, contending for what and when, certainly not the A10 title in 22-23?

Are you even aware of our competition and their rosters for this upcoming season?

Our team has so many question marks this season, we won't even be in the discussion.

We all love the Archie hire and his staff, plus his philosophy on assembling this team for the long-term.
But please pump the breaks for 22-23.

We have a nice balance of size and potential.
But no proven star power.
We basically have a new roster which is very young, inexperienced, and they will need to develop as individual players along with team chemistry.

Our future may be bright, but it will take a little time.

To be fair - I think Bray Freeman is going to be one of the better guards in the A10 next year. Usually an all-rookie team honor is a pretty good projection in this conference of being an all-conference playing in the coming years. Jeff Dowtin, Jared Terrell, EC and Hassan - all appeared on the all-rookie team their freshman years.

I'm not expecting us to win a conference title, but I am expecting us to be competitive and have one of those years where we finish top 1/3, but have some close losses that could've gone the other way. I won't be disappointed no matter what our record is, but I think we're going to be better than people purposely lowering their expectations because they put their faith in Dave Cox and feel burned. Archie isn't Dave.

Weston has injury history but his talent is undeniable.

Despite how they were used the last 2 years - Ish and Carey I think will be very, very good. It was impossible to play in that hodgepodge system Dave Cox cobbled together with two giant immovable roadblocks taking up interior space. Ish and Carey are primarily slashers. Carey is a decent shooter, but they are at their best going to the basket. Archie runs a system that tries to score before a half-court sets up. I think those guys are going to THRIVE in that system.

Bilau is a perfect bench guy with 5 fouls and size, and a project with upside. It's clear Foumena is your big moving forward. And depending on how Arch wants the team to run - I could see him running Martin or another undersize G/F out there for spurts at the 5. He made an NCAA run with 6'6 Kendall Pollard at the 5.

I love this get. I trust Kenny, Archie, and their scouting abilities. I also trust their coaching abilities. Enjoy the ride.

[Rhody15]

Man, Rhodymob5 is just showing his excitement over this signing.
People have to stop picking apart every word of every post.
Do we really want a page where folks are not allowed to be happy about the team?

Keep posting RM5, don't let them drag you down.

I picked literally one word in his post, "contenders."

Getting a unproven 6'10 player does not make us contenders (still waiting on what he makes us contend for) in the least bit.

Having a balanced roster is great, but never guarantees success.

We've been burned too many times to get all excited and expect big things every time we sign a recruit.

Need patience with this team, and seems like people are already expecting a bubble team next year.

[Jersey77]

Size in general is a contributing factor to most teams success. This roster has balance. I also trust that Archie didn’t pick up a bum purely for his size.

Again, contending for what and when, certainly not the A10 title in 22-23?

Are you even aware of our competition and their rosters for this upcoming season?

Our team has so many question marks this season, we won't even be in the discussion.

We all love the Archie hire and his staff, plus his philosophy on assembling this team for the long-term.
But please pump the breaks for 22-23.

We have a nice balance of size and potential.
But no proven star power.
We basically have a new roster which is very young, inexperienced, and they will need to develop as individual players along with team chemistry.

Our future may be bright, but it will take a little time.

To be fair - I think Bray Freeman is going to be one of the better guards in the A10 next year. Usually an all-rookie team honor is a pretty good projection in this conference of being an all-conference playing in the coming years. Jeff Dowtin, Jared Terrell, EC and Hassan - all appeared on the all-rookie team their freshman years.

I'm not expecting us to win a conference title, but I am expecting us to be competitive and have one of those years where we finish top 1/3, but have some close losses that could've gone the other way. I won't be disappointed no matter what our record is, but I think we're going to be better than people purposely lowering their expectations because they put their faith in Dave Cox and feel burned. Archie isn't Dave.

Weston has injury history but his talent is undeniable.

Despite how they were used the last 2 years - Ish and Carey I think will be very, very good. It was impossible to play in that hodgepodge system Dave Cox cobbled together with two giant immovable roadblocks taking up interior space. Ish and Carey are primarily slashers. Carey is a decent shooter, but they are at their best going to the basket. Archie runs a system that tries to score before a half-court sets up. I think those guys are going to THRIVE in that system.

Bilau is a perfect bench guy with 5 fouls and size, and a project with upside. It's clear Foumena is your big moving forward. And depending on how Arch wants the team to run - I could see him running Martin or another undersize G/F out there for spurts at the 5. He made an NCAA run with 6'6 Kendall Pollard at the 5.

I love this get. I trust Kenny, Archie, and their scouting abilities. I also trust their coaching abilities. Enjoy the ride.

Blueman, I am also extremely high on Bray and one of my favorite additions.

He is not yet an all-conference player but made the A10 freshmen team along with 3 other guards: Nunn, Smith, and Reynolds.
Time will tell, but I really like his upside.

This team certainly has a lot of potential for the future.

Yes we can be competitive and give some teams headaches this season, but the A10 is very strong and we will have a lot of growing pains this year.

You have us finishing top 1/3 or a top 5 A10 team.
I think that is extremely optimistic, I am not seeing it, but hope you are correct.
Just curious what teams you are putting us ahead of?

[Billyboy78]

I trust Chris' eval of a player.

[CamsRams]

[ElmCityRhody]

NO DOUBT !