'09 PF/C recruit James Still

Cy Hard · 04-23-2008, 11:41 PM

Another name to add to the list of potential recruits for the 2009 class. The interesting note is he is a teammate of Dom Buckley in AAU, "The Family." Perhaps we're beginning to build inroads into Michigan again, ala Orr?!
Scout.com: James Still Profile
James Still - Basketball Recruiting

SouthernHawk · 04-23-2008, 11:43 PM

This is a guy Iowa is also going hard after. Should be interesting.

cycloneG · 04-24-2008, 07:43 AM

He seems underweight. He definitely needs to pack on some pounds this next year to have a chance to contribute immediately when he gets to his college of choice.

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 07:56 AM

Hopefully with the guys we brought in this year he wouldn't have to contribute immediately.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 11:52 AM

I'd think he would be tough to get away from Michigan and MSU...but he has the type of size, length and athleticism that we need.

That said, I'm reasonably sure that the one scholly available (at the moment) next year will go to a wing.

Knownothing · 04-24-2008, 12:01 PM

I am not quite sure why so many people care so much about weight.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Knownothing

I am not quite sure why so many people care so much about weight.

Could it be because Craig Brackins was thirty pounds heavier--and struggled inside most of the year?

Knownothing · 04-24-2008, 12:07 PM

Not many high school kids have a body ready for the big 12. If everyone could be patient a year for the freshman to develope a big 12 body and some moves it would be a lot better. Also Kelvin Cato was no huge body.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Knownothing

Not many high school kids have a body ready for the big 12. If everyone could be patient a year for the freshman to develope a big 12 body and some moves it would be a lot better.

That wasn't the point. The reason that people are concerned about Still's weight is that he's far lighter than most freshmen who are contributors. That includes Beasley, Love and Griffin, along with Brackins. You also cannot be certain that he will be able to put on weight to wiothstand the pounding of a major conference.

Also Kelvin Cato was no huge body.

Kelvin went about 240 by the time he played for Tim Floyd. Pretty much as a fifth year senior.

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 12:55 PM

Wesley did alright. Regardless I doubt he doesn't have the ability to hang in the Big 12, the guy is the #6 center according to rivals.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

Wesley did alright. Regardless I doubt he doesn't have the ability to hang in the Big 12, the guy is the #6 center according to rivals.

As I have pointed out to Hawk fans, the '09 class is ridiculously weak on centers. Takle a look at that "top ten" list...few are even 6'10", others don't even make 200 pounds. Just compare it to the '08 (or '07 or '10) class.

cycloneG · 04-24-2008, 12:59 PM

I think weight is something that needs to be considered when looking at post players. Wings and guards are a little different. A post player with good skills but low weight is going to get pushed around in the Big 12. He won't be able to get good position on either end of the floor. Large posts are just going to be able to lean on him on the offensive end to negate his, apparently, superior skills. I have no doubt that he could become a good post player in the Big 12, but I would feel more comfortable if he could show that he is able to put on some weight and still play at a high level.

BryceC · 04-24-2008, 01:02 PM

When it comes to guys I've never seen play I guess I'd take a chance on the top 100 recruit no matter how skinny he is at this point. It's not like Mann, Pomlee, or Hamilton are hulking beasts right now and they are going to be on the team next year.

Aclone · 04-24-2008, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

When it comes to guys I've never seen play I guess I'd take a chance on the top 100 recruit no matter how skinny he is at this point. It's not like Mann, Pomlee, or Hamilton are hulking beasts right now and they are going to be on the team next year.

I didn't say that I wouldn't take him--quite the opposite, as a matter of fact (as you should see in my original post). I'm just saying that citing him as a "Top 10 Center" isn't quite as pretigious as it usually is.

cyclonez7 · 04-24-2008, 03:12 PM

Remember Shawn Taggart? He was skinny as a stick after he got sick making him an extremely weak post player. Weight makes a big difference for post players.