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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 14:38:55 GMT -5
Ben McKee is hinting we’re about to get a commitment. The general feeling is that it’s likely Evans. Other notes:
Other recruiting notes:
> Isaiah Denis announces his commitment tomorrow. I expect the North Carolina native to stay in-state and choose between Wake Forest and UNC. I believe his relationship with Steve Forbes will be hard for the Tar Heels to overcome. Tennessee was not willing to prioritize him the way the in-state schools were despite Denis really liking UT. I do believe the Vols were the clear frontrunner in the midst of his back-to-back visits for the Florida and Alabama game.
> Keep an eye on Chance Mallory. Tennessee is going to circle back here following his decommittment from Virginia. Mallory took an unofficial visit to Knoxville earlier this year and he really liked the Vols, but they were not sold on his size. At the end of the day, he can really shoot the basketball and Tennessee needs true point guards. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make it town for an official visit this month.
> Five-star big man Chris Cenac Jr. continues to be one to watch heading into November. I believe it's between Tennessee and Houston at the moment.
> Tennessee remains firmly in the mix for five-star big man Nate Ament as well following his OV for the Alabama game. Nearly UT's entire coaching staff is in Virginia today to visit with Ament. He has a great relationship with Rick Barnes.
> I do believe UT gets one of Cenac or Ament. It boils down to who jumps in the boat first. Cenac is looking to make a decision this month. Ament is likely to make a decision in the spring...
> Brayden Burries is the other name to watch. The five-star and his family really like Tennessee. They just haven't been able to get to campus for various reasons because of how hard it is for a west coast family to get to this part of the country in terms of scheduling trips. If Burries does end up visiting this month or in December, I would be pretty surprised if he didn't end up a Vol.
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 16:29:46 GMT -5
I don’t know a lot about Mallory, but I do know that UT is heading into ZZ’s senior year without a true PG on the roster following his departure. And with CRB’s demands on PG’s, it seems like having someone here who is a dedicated PG would be pretty important. We will probably hit the portal for one even if we land Mallory. I may be wrong, but I don’t think Boswell is really a true PG.
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Post by knoxkid on Nov 1, 2024 16:40:33 GMT -5
It would be interesting to load up on 4 and 5 star freshman. I'm up for rerunning the experiment.
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Post by bchilds on Nov 1, 2024 16:59:24 GMT -5
Not trying to crown him but Mallory is basically another ZZ.
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 17:03:33 GMT -5
Not trying to crown him but Mallory is basically another ZZ. Do you mean more in terms that he's flying below the radar without a lot of big offers, or that you think his game is similar? Or both? I would definitely take a flyer on a PG, especially since we are, IMO, in a serious need at that position after ZZ. And even if we get Mallory, he's just be a freshman next season, so wouldn't likely be the answer at that spot next year.
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Post by bchilds on Nov 1, 2024 17:27:54 GMT -5
Not trying to crown him but Mallory is basically another ZZ. Do you mean more in terms that he's flying below the radar without a lot of big offers, or that you think his game is similar? Or both? I would definitely take a flyer on a PG, especially since we are, IMO, in a serious need at that position after ZZ. And even if we get Mallory, he's just be a freshman next season, so wouldn't likely be the answer at that spot next year. He is a small floor general. He has commanded every team I have seen him play for. I do mean commanded. An absolute wizard with the ball and if he wanted to walk the ball up with a defender in his hip pocket he could do it almost everytime without even a glimpse of a hiccup. His shooting prowess is documented. Wherever he goes to school, I expect him to start as a freshman unless the incumbent is REALLY good. He is probably a five star if he is 3-4 inches taller. Edit: here is his 247 write up. Mallory may be undersized and play under the rim, but there are few more reliable true point guards in the national class. His skill level with the ball is truly elite. He has complete command of his handle and a pure release on his jumper. He not only shoots it with deep range, but is equally comfortable off the catch or the dribble, and has the effortless quick release to get it off despite his lack of size. Mallory can stop quickly for mid-range pull-ups with deceptive lift and also has a deep bag of floaters and runners that he can utilize without breaking his stride inside a crowded lane. While he only played seven games in the UAA this season, his 45/38/90 shooting splits are indicative of what we have come to expect. Simultaneously, Mallory is also exceptionally reliable with the ball in his hands. He's extremely strong with the ball, rarely rattled by pressure, a very good passer, and a pinpoint lob thrower (4.2 assists vs. 1.7 turnovers). He's even starting to show more creativity and playmaking with the ball in his hands, all without limiting his efficiency. Mallory is also a diligent defender who can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, fight over ball screens, has good hands (1.6 steals in the 2024 UAA and 2.1 in 2023), and will dig out long rebounds. While there are likely to be some moments at the next level where his size will limit him on that end of the floor, it won't be due to a lack of fight or intellect. Mallory's value is also magnified by his wealth of intangibles and true leadership skills. He's not only a throwback true point guard, but one of the most skilled players in the class, with the ideal mental make-up to compensate for whatever he may be lacking in terms of physical measurables.
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Post by Stopspopsdrops83 on Nov 1, 2024 17:58:23 GMT -5
Do you mean more in terms that he's flying below the radar without a lot of big offers, or that you think his game is similar? Or both? I would definitely take a flyer on a PG, especially since we are, IMO, in a serious need at that position after ZZ. And even if we get Mallory, he's just be a freshman next season, so wouldn't likely be the answer at that spot next year. He is a small floor general. He has commanded every team I have seen him play for. I do mean commanded. An absolute wizard with the ball and if he wanted to walk the ball up with a defender in his hip pocket he could do it almost everytime without even a glimpse of a hiccup. His shooting prowess is documented. Wherever he goes to school, I expect him to start as a freshman unless the incumbent is REALLY good. He is probably a five star if he is 3-4 inches taller. Edit: here is his 247 write up. Mallory may be undersized and play under the rim, but there are few more reliable true point guards in the national class. His skill level with the ball is truly elite. He has complete command of his handle and a pure release on his jumper. He not only shoots it with deep range, but is equally comfortable off the catch or the dribble, and has the effortless quick release to get it off despite his lack of size. Mallory can stop quickly for mid-range pull-ups with deceptive lift and also has a deep bag of floaters and runners that he can utilize without breaking his stride inside a crowded lane. While he only played seven games in the UAA this season, his 45/38/90 shooting splits are indicative of what we have come to expect. Simultaneously, Mallory is also exceptionally reliable with the ball in his hands. He's extremely strong with the ball, rarely rattled by pressure, a very good passer, and a pinpoint lob thrower (4.2 assists vs. 1.7 turnovers). He's even starting to show more creativity and playmaking with the ball in his hands, all without limiting his efficiency. Mallory is also a diligent defender who can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, fight over ball screens, has good hands (1.6 steals in the 2024 UAA and 2.1 in 2023), and will dig out long rebounds. While there are likely to be some moments at the next level where his size will limit him on that end of the floor, it won't be due to a lack of fight or intellect. Mallory's value is also magnified by his wealth of intangibles and true leadership skills. He's not only a throwback true point guard, but one of the most skilled players in the class, with the ideal mental make-up to compensate for whatever he may be lacking in terms of physical measurables. All sounds outstanding so as referenced above why was our staff “not sold on his size”? Especially after the ZZ experience working out so well
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Post by knoxkid on Nov 1, 2024 18:03:20 GMT -5
Evans is officially in the boat.
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Post by bchilds on Nov 1, 2024 18:12:06 GMT -5
He is a small floor general. He has commanded every team I have seen him play for. I do mean commanded. An absolute wizard with the ball and if he wanted to walk the ball up with a defender in his hip pocket he could do it almost everytime without even a glimpse of a hiccup. His shooting prowess is documented. Wherever he goes to school, I expect him to start as a freshman unless the incumbent is REALLY good. He is probably a five star if he is 3-4 inches taller. Edit: here is his 247 write up. Mallory may be undersized and play under the rim, but there are few more reliable true point guards in the national class. His skill level with the ball is truly elite. He has complete command of his handle and a pure release on his jumper. He not only shoots it with deep range, but is equally comfortable off the catch or the dribble, and has the effortless quick release to get it off despite his lack of size. Mallory can stop quickly for mid-range pull-ups with deceptive lift and also has a deep bag of floaters and runners that he can utilize without breaking his stride inside a crowded lane. While he only played seven games in the UAA this season, his 45/38/90 shooting splits are indicative of what we have come to expect. Simultaneously, Mallory is also exceptionally reliable with the ball in his hands. He's extremely strong with the ball, rarely rattled by pressure, a very good passer, and a pinpoint lob thrower (4.2 assists vs. 1.7 turnovers). He's even starting to show more creativity and playmaking with the ball in his hands, all without limiting his efficiency. Mallory is also a diligent defender who can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, fight over ball screens, has good hands (1.6 steals in the 2024 UAA and 2.1 in 2023), and will dig out long rebounds. While there are likely to be some moments at the next level where his size will limit him on that end of the floor, it won't be due to a lack of fight or intellect. Mallory's value is also magnified by his wealth of intangibles and true leadership skills. He's not only a throwback true point guard, but one of the most skilled players in the class, with the ideal mental make-up to compensate for whatever he may be lacking in terms of physical measurables. All sounds outstanding so as referenced above why was our staff “not sold on his size”? Especially after the ZZ experience working out so well If anyone has been around ZZ they know he isn’t 5’9 he might be 5’8 in the morning. I haven’t stood right next to Mallory but he looks smaller than ZZ.
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Post by bchilds on Nov 1, 2024 18:12:22 GMT -5
Evans is officially in the boat. Rod Clark landing a guy.
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Post by smyrnavol on Nov 1, 2024 18:37:33 GMT -5
Evans is officially in the boat. Rod Clark landing a guy. He’s been good the last few cycles.
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 19:29:55 GMT -5
Do you mean more in terms that he's flying below the radar without a lot of big offers, or that you think his game is similar? Or both? I would definitely take a flyer on a PG, especially since we are, IMO, in a serious need at that position after ZZ. And even if we get Mallory, he's just be a freshman next season, so wouldn't likely be the answer at that spot next year. He is a small floor general. He has commanded every team I have seen him play for. I do mean commanded. An absolute wizard with the ball and if he wanted to walk the ball up with a defender in his hip pocket he could do it almost everytime without even a glimpse of a hiccup. His shooting prowess is documented. Wherever he goes to school, I expect him to start as a freshman unless the incumbent is REALLY good. He is probably a five star if he is 3-4 inches taller. Edit: here is his 247 write up. Mallory may be undersized and play under the rim, but there are few more reliable true point guards in the national class. His skill level with the ball is truly elite. He has complete command of his handle and a pure release on his jumper. He not only shoots it with deep range, but is equally comfortable off the catch or the dribble, and has the effortless quick release to get it off despite his lack of size. Mallory can stop quickly for mid-range pull-ups with deceptive lift and also has a deep bag of floaters and runners that he can utilize without breaking his stride inside a crowded lane. While he only played seven games in the UAA this season, his 45/38/90 shooting splits are indicative of what we have come to expect. Simultaneously, Mallory is also exceptionally reliable with the ball in his hands. He's extremely strong with the ball, rarely rattled by pressure, a very good passer, and a pinpoint lob thrower (4.2 assists vs. 1.7 turnovers). He's even starting to show more creativity and playmaking with the ball in his hands, all without limiting his efficiency. Mallory is also a diligent defender who can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, fight over ball screens, has good hands (1.6 steals in the 2024 UAA and 2.1 in 2023), and will dig out long rebounds. While there are likely to be some moments at the next level where his size will limit him on that end of the floor, it won't be due to a lack of fight or intellect. Mallory's value is also magnified by his wealth of intangibles and true leadership skills. He's not only a throwback true point guard, but one of the most skilled players in the class, with the ideal mental make-up to compensate for whatever he may be lacking in terms of physical measurables. This is outstanding. It sounds like initially we passed and are now circling back.
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 19:30:35 GMT -5
Evans is officially in the boat. Thanks, as expected.
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Post by cherokee04 on Nov 1, 2024 19:31:48 GMT -5
He’s been good the last few cycles. I feel like we are going to end up with a top 10ish class this time. And we could sure use it.
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Post by bchilds on Nov 1, 2024 20:20:14 GMT -5
We didn’t pass on Mallory per se. He is from Charlottesville. Tough sell if you already see him leaning.
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