Hooks45 4272 posts
36 minutes ago
First off the mood was electric with several new freshmen in and the vets returning. The staff was all smiles and it was awesome to see Ira running several drills yesterday. Ira is a fantastic guy and I personally believe AU hoops is for the better with him on the staff...
Here are a few things I saw yesterday and things I gleaned.....
1. Okoro is the real deal. Looks to be around 6'6 now with a frame that only God can gift to a barely out of highschooler. Skilled and was knocking down the three ball with ease. In the three point challenge drill he and Jayvon killed it with over 100 points in the time allowed (that is a fantastic score FYI) Okoro is built to be a three man. He brings elite athleticism, high motor, good handle, court vision and the ability to either drive or pull up with lethality. Early in practice they were doing a full court pass and finish drill and on the break the ball was set to be in Okoros hand for the finish...Jayvon delivers it and says to him "show me something big dog" and Okoro with that great smile he has brought the house down with a massive tomahawk jam....the kind that has the ferocity that gives one the momentary feeling he hates that rim and wants to rip it off the backboard. All the players went nuts and you could see the bonding already starting with this group.
2. Flanigan was impressive. He's got a good frame to build on and is skilled. Clearly a gym rat and is comfortable right off the bat like one would expect from a coaches kid. I believe Flanagan will be a help this year in a limited capacity but as the years progress will be a key role player. I glue kind of guy. He's athletic which CBP loves and his system rewards.
3. Othter freshman- well no other was in practice.
Turbo arrived injured and is on the road to recovery.
Williams isn't medically cleared to play yet. (I won't go into it but he will be fine in a little bit) I did talk with him and again big time athlete with a great frame and super humble to talk with.
Stretch- as we know isn't here yet but I did hear very good news yesterday so hopefully this is headed for a resolution that gets him here sooner rather than later.
Franklin- New JC kid. He hasn't quite arrived but will be here shortly.
4. Returning group looked very sharp and fit. I did not see anyone who partied too much after the final four run. Jayvon was really taking the lead yesterday. He seemed very comfortable in doing so with the group seemingly happy with it. Mac look particularly sharp and fit. He really looks more and more like the Mac of pre injury which time wise makes sense. Wiley was ready. I talked with him pre practice and he seems mentally determined to finally have that break out year we all know he can have. Cheers to ya big fella!
Lastly, this team may add one more but we shall see. If it happens would be game changing. That's all I can say regarding that.
All in all it was great to see the band back together with some pieces moved on and some new one starting.
Lastly, recruiting news.......
Folks what CBP has done behind the scenes over the last years is simply heroic type stuff. He is massively taking advantage of everything AU offers and what his teams have accomplished. They have new banners in the practice court that pop regarding all the accolades which were hung just in time for last weekends massive recruiting event.
2020 is shaping up to be one for the record books. A class that has zero historical comparison as all other classes will not be comparable. AU is in a position that we will be forcing some 5 star kids to either commit when we want them to or they will be left out. We have that many options......let that sink in for a moment. I admit I still struggle to believe it but it's the truth of where things are with 2020.
The past two years have been beyond bright but the future could be even better. Exciting times no doubt!!
WDE!