re: UA Basketball Recruiting

I mean...arent you the one with the inside source?

Kira still expecting to team with him?

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Exactly. I don't know why he's even asking.

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C’mon guys... it’s a fluid situation.

Bama fan, how did he not meet any of the players? Seems strange.

That was easy for Saban to say though. He already had a championship ring and could back up what he was saying. I don't think it's really a conscious strategy of changing the perception of the program by recruiting better players. It's more likely just a young, ambitious staff believing they can focus on a few elite players and out-work the competition for them.

There is nothing wrong with going after top talent, with spending time really trying to get enough of a relationship that you don't have to drop Will Wade level strong arse offers to seal the deal (because don't get it twisted, the coaching staff or people associated with the university are absolutely paying something to get any of these high end players to sign with any school). Absolutely, if we get a couple of these top end guys in, pay the right people and get the word out that we will make sure you get taken care of in a system that makes the most of your skillset, that could be like the Julio/fishing trip moment that propels recruiting forward, but we sure as hell aren't there yet.

We just don't have to keep pretending it's some great feat that this staff is sending offers or making visits. That is their fricking job and what they were brought in to do. This thread is filled with posts about how Oats is the hardest damn working coach in college basketball or a hell of a recruiter for doing what any of the top 50 coaches in the sport are doing. That was what I brought up weeks ago and got some people so angry that apparently its getting hashed out again weeks later.

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We just don't have to keep pretending it's some great feat that this staff is sending offers or making visits.

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We also don't have to keep pretending that our other coaching staffs have gone as hard after big recruits as Nate has.

You're not making any revelations. We understand offering and signing are not the same things. I'm pointing out the effect, psychologically, that asserting itself as a big dog, can have for a program in recruiting.

Do you guys think Nate really wanted Watford or was he just recruiting him to appease some of our fans?

Cause I havent heard Nate or anyone mention him after the Destin visit.

Well, he can sort of back it up. He can sit down with a recruit and say, “Look, my staff and I took a backwater like Buffalo who had NEVER been to the NCAAs before I arrived, and with 3 star talent, took them to multiple Dance invites and #14 in the country...at freaking Buffalo. I run a fun uptempo system that allows you to showcase your talent, score a lot of points and win a lot of games. Now I’m at Alabama and I have better resources in a tougher league. So I need better talent, like you, Johnny Fivestar, to repeat the success. Come be a part of rebuilding Alabama basketball and taking it farther than it’s ever been...the Final Four. I’m taking it there. Join us and be a crucial element in our rise to power.”

I think he can do it. We’ve never had a staff with this mindset. Enjoy the ride fellas, I think it’s going to be fun. I’ll be the first one to admit I’m not an tactical guru at basketball. But I’ve been around some really good coaches and some not so good coaches and I’m pretty good at spotting the difference. This guy is setting off all my alarm bells as someone very special. My only fear is hanging on to him if I’m right. Time will tell. I may be full of shite and he may crash and burn but I don’t think so. Get ready.

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Do you guys think Nate really wanted Watford or was he just recruiting him to appease some of our fans?

Cause I havent heard Nate or anyone mention him after the Destin visit.

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I definitely think he'd like to have him. I think we haven't heard much more about Watford and the staff for one of two reasons:

1. They know Watford is going somewhere else.
2. He's a super secret verbal to Bama and they're keeping it secret to make a big splash when he announces.

You decide which of the two is likely and which is a scenario dreamed up by a fan who is just hoping.

Yall there are a couple of Rojas Full Games on Youtube and Ive watched them and here is my observations.(Obviously im not an expert)

Pros:
Very Good ball handler for a 5
Can shoot the 3
Very good form at the line
Good rebounder(although against JUCO players)
Good passer
In Good Shape and runs the floor well


Cons:
Couple of questionable decisions on passes
Did commit a couple of WTF turnovers.


I like him and think he would start right away for us.