Recruiting question

[hoyarooter]

It seems pretty clear that III will have to award Wallace with a scholarship by no later than the end of the season. Where would that leave us in terms of attempting to line up additional recruits this year?

[SFHoya99]

I don't know if that is clear or not. He may do so, and maybe he'll deserve it, but none of us knows the situation.

That said, we're in the same place as before, really...

Assuming no transfers, we have eight returning scholarship players next year (out of a possible thirteen): Bowman, Cook, Reed, Crawford, Dizdarevic, Guibunda, Green, Hibbert.

In addition, Josh Thornton and Octavius Spann are signed and qualified, from all reports.

That's ten of thirteen players.

That leaves 3 scholarships for the following:

Darrell Owens
Marc Egerson (signed, but not yet qualified)
Jon Wallace

If all three get scholarships, we are done.

If Egerson and Wallace get scholarships, that limits our 2006 class to three players (transfers not considered).

[hoyarooter]

Thanks for that breakdown. You are right, that we don't know the situation with Wallace, but if he continues upon his present course, I think awarding him a scholarship would be the right thing to do, and I would be surprised if III didn't see it that way.

[1803]

Do you have a link saying that Egerson, Spann, and Thornton have signed? There is nothing on the front page or GOHOYAS.COM.

Thanks.

[Grandpa]

1803 said:

Do you have a link saying that Egerson, Spann, and Thornton have signed? There is nothing on the front page or GOHOYAS.COM.

Thanks.

The signing of Egerson, Spann, and Thornton was confirmed in a Washington Post article from a week or two back:

Hoyas Notes: Georgetown signed three players during the recently concluded early signing period: 6-2 guard Josh Thornton (Caesar Rodney High in Camden, Del.), 6-7 forward Octavius Spann (Banneker High in College Park, Ga.), and 6-5 forward Marc Egerson (two-time Delaware player of the year at Glasgow High who is now attending prep school in Philadelphia).

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2615-2004Nov21.html

[1803]

Thanks for the info.

[Fan Of The Game]

Is Owens a lock to come back next year after he graduates? I've always had hope for him and thought he was an under-achiever who did a lot of the little things and might come into his own at any time. Now I'm starting to think he's just an under-achiever who does the little things.

[SFHoya99]

Fan said:

Is Owens a lock to come back next year after he graduates? I've always had hope for him and thought he was an under-achiever who did a lot of the little things and might come into his own at any time. Now I'm starting to think he's just an under-achiever who does the little things.

No one has said Owens is guaranteed to get a fifth year. He'll likely be NCAA-eligible for it, and he has expressed his desire to return, but III & Co. haven't commented.

Some players have come back, some haven't. I really wouldn't be shocked either way.

[EasyEd]

What about Ross? Is it possible he has eligibility left due to his almost-continual injuries?

[SFHoya99]

This is already his fifth year (Ross). I've heard of sixth years in football, though.

[FOTP]

Owens should be cut loose. JTIII needs to have teh extra scholarship to get his own players into the program. This is actually very important. One more kid could be the difference

We'll have enough leadership with Bowman and Ashanti back next year.

I like Owens and I hope he uses the degree in a positive manner and I wish him well, but its time to move on.

[MEGAFAN]

While I respect your opinion, I think that your comments are way too premature. Let's first see what Owens does over the course of this season, and then we can think about what comes next. Not only does his play factor into the matter, but so does his desire to come back. We don't know if he would really want to or not. Of course, I think that JT III reserves the right to do as he wishes, but I think his decision process will be based on Owens' play, his attitude, as well as upon the recruiting landscape.

As far as Ross goes, I do believe that it would be technically possible for him to also return for another season, as he was redshirted twice, and as long as he was on schedule to graduate, I believe you have 4 full years of eligibility, which must all be used within a 7 year period. I could be wrong about this - maybe someone who has the details can chime in.

The season is still very young, and I think all of us Hoya fans are hoping that Owens has his best season, and of course, we're all also pulling for Ross to play well, but this is perceived to be gravy, whereas most of us believe Owens must play relativley well if we expect to overachieve!

GO HOYAS!!! BEAT PSU!!!

[HOYAPLAYA]

I wouldn't mind seeing Ross or Owens in a uniform next year. I'd rather see them here than just use the scholarship on a simialar style player. I think we might need the experience if we are going to make a run at the tourney next year.

[FOTP]

Guys - C'mon. We know exactly what we have in Owens. The body of work is extensive and things don't change at this point is ones career.

Again, I like Owens. However, I'd rather use a precious scholarship to bring in more of JTIII type players. He deserves every opportunity to bring in his guys in order to be successful and every scholarship counts. It's not like I'm saying to force him to transfer. He'll have his degree and graduate.

[HOYAPLAYA]

FOTP said:

Guys - C'mon. We know exactly what we have in Owens. The body of work is extensive and things don't change at this point is ones career.

Again, I like Owens. However, I'd rather use a precious scholarship to bring in more of JTIII type players. He deserves every opportunity to bring in his guys in order to be successful and every scholarship counts. It's not like I'm saying to force him to transfer. He'll have his degree and graduate.

How do you know that Owens isn't a JTIII-type player? It seems that you're making a big assumption about one of our more cerebral players on the team. I say we let it ride and see what the coach wants to do.

[HOYAPLAYA]

Let's change this up a little bit....

If Owens doesn't return, what position should we be looking to fill.

From the first couple of games, it doesn't appear as JT III is providing that many big men and we've recruited 2 guards and a forward for next year. Do you think we go after a C/PF type or do we go after another athletic SF/PF type like Bowman and Owens.

[FOTP]

No doubt about it. We should be fine on the outside next year. We really need more beef in the middle. I'd target a big PF/C. It's hard to get them and the really good ones go pro, but that's what we need.

[doublehoya]

I understand Fan of the Game has a few years of eligibility left. He would dominate in the paint!

[HOYAPLAYA]

FOTP said:

No doubt about it. We should be fine on the outside next year. We really need more beef in the middle. I'd target a big PF/C. It's hard to get them and the really good ones go pro, but that's what we need.

That's what I was thinking but then I look at the roster and see the following returning:

Hibbert -SO
Green - SO
Guibunda - SO
Diaw- JR
Dizdarevic - JR

I think the top 3 are all that we should count on come big east play for significant minutes, but they are all sophomores. I'm wondering if we need to start looking at Bowman's replacement with this last recruit. Or is that what Spann is supposed to be. I'd love to add another space eater down low, but only if our style of play is going to allow for the minutes.

[FOTP]

That's the obvious choice. However, I think Fan of the Game is holding out for...how should we say this...certain incentives to come on board.