Leon Bond committed

[1UNI2ISU]

So do you think it was a money difference between him choosing ISU over following Jake to Utah?

Yes

 

[1UNI2ISU]

MWC was a one bid league last year. Big 12 is a massive step up.

Utah State is in the new PAC which should be 2-4 bids annually

 

[AuH2O]

Utah State is in the new PAC which should be 2-4 bids annually

Got it that’s right. Nice bump for Jacobsen. I would guess Utah St is going to be in good position in that league.

 

[SolarGarlic]

Interesting....asked to leave because recruited over or attitude? Based on what I've read, he played lots of post in high school so his 3 point shooting is a work in progress so perhaps that was the reasoning? Maybe not the skill set they were looking for

Different offensive player than Heise it would appear but that's not a bad thing. Just don't look for him to be a proficient 3 point shooter...more of a slasher / mid range guy. I like the length and athleticism for sure.

Heise was 29/91 from 3. Bond was 45/123. So higher percentage and volume. He can shoot it.

 

[Cymark86]

Heise was 29/91 from 3. Bond was 45/123. So higher percentage and volume. He can shoot it.

I’ll take that! Too lazy to check myself, so sounds like a bit of an upgrade from Heise and based on volume more willing to take them.

 

[cyfan92]

I'm struggling with the Taj Manning position. If you get him that 3 guys at the 4 position with Singleton, Manning, Kiss and then 3 guys at the 5 position with Buchanon, Pleta, DR-K.

DR-K is good enough and athletic enough that you don't want him not playing. I really feel like him or Pleta need to play the hybrid 4/5 but lean into the 4 position more with the other being the backup 5. If you do that then there's 2 guys deep not playing at the 4 and that just doesn't seem plausible or you go 3 deep at each position and then the freshman don't play most likely.

It's looking like we'll be 6'5" and below in the 1-3 positions so it would be nice to have a couple 6'10" guys on the floor at the same time.

Depth in the front court is why you recruit Manning. Injuries happen...

 

[SolarGarlic]

I’ll take that! Too lazy to check myself, so sounds like a bit of an upgrade from Heise and based on volume more willing to take them.

Heise's value was in his consistency and versatility on defense. He was going to be a strong defender on one of the opponent's best players and compete on the boards. Bond probably isn't as versatile defensively but has some more upside offensively. I like the addition for sure.

 

[clone52]

Not sure I'd ask Tony Bennett about him since he asked him to leave but that was almost 3 years ago at this point

He absolutely can't play the 4. He's a true wing.

Would still ask him why he asked him to leave. If Tony said he was lazy and not a hard worker, TJ would not have recruited him.

 

[cayin]

I’ll take that! Too lazy to check myself, so sounds like a bit of an upgrade from Heise and based on volume more willing to take them.

Heise was playing against Big 12 athletes, probably harder to get shots off or find shots. I'm sure Bond will be just fine, I am very excited about him. But it will be a step up in competition and it may be harder to maintain the 3 point percentage he had. NCAA tournament aside, Heise was a little reserved and hesitant on offense. I see Bond as more an aggressive player on offense.

 

[Psiclone]

It took Leon a while to realize how hard you have to work outside of practice to play at a Division I level. He and Tony butted heads with that and he and Jake did as well early.

He's matured. He gets it now. He's going to fit in the defensive scheme really well. I'm interested to see how his offensive game translates.

He's an awesome kid so I hope that he just kills it!

Yup, you don’t land on the conference first team defense without figuring out the physical and mental commitment it takes to succeed.