Path to the Hall of Fame

[Wayne23]

4.5/5.0 is a keeper. He'll be explosive in your conference.

[randy]

6/5/93

I will focus my search on PGs and Cs.

After observing the 1st 10 prospects I contacted on the first, there were a couple of stand-out guards. One of them is a 4.0 GPA SO from Kansas U, so it would be impossible for my school to get him. The other is 1.5 GPA student from New Mexico (rank #40 in his class), but with a pathetic work ethic; even with intensive tutoring, I face the risk of not being able to make him eligible next season

I offered a scholarship (I have 2 available) C Jamaal Rowles (JR, USF, 6-11, 2.9 GPA, 14.7 ppg last season, 7.2 rpg). Hopefully he accepts


6/12/93

Jamaal Rowles accepted.

Since I have no SR scholarship players, I'll be left with only 1 scholarship to sign this season. I decided to contact a couple of batches of transfers. If I dont find someone interesting, then I'll proceed to the recruitment phase.


6/19

None among the remaining PG/SG transfers looked good. The 1.5 GPA guy from NM is still available (not surprising). He's a 4 star recruit, but as mentioned above, a student with a pathetic work ethic.

I am still tempted to sign him

[randy]

In the end, I decided to make an offer to:

SG Tod Reed (JR, UNM, 6-3, 1.5 GPA, didnt play last season due to academic ineligibility). Actually, he has been to 2 different school. He spent his FR year at St. Johns, prior to transferring to UNM

[Wayne23]

The odds are with you if you phone him once a month and tell him to get a tutor. If he signs start that day and do 3 weeks to get in cycle. They don't always become eligible, but they do more often than not. Roll the dice, Coach.

[randy]

6/22/94

Todd Reed accepted. His 3rd school in 3 years. If he doesn't turn his life around this time, he would be flipping burgers next year.

Ac ouple of scenarios could happen

Plan A. Todd Reed becomes eligible. I don't have to recruit anyone this season. I reckon a JR transferee with an extra year of practice with the team, is a much better alternative than an incoming JuCo next year.

Plan B. I would still scout some JuCos (guards in particular), and increase their interest as the season progresses. If Reed cant get eligible, I will revoke his scholarship and sign a JuCo around March or April next year.

[randy]

6/25/93

Even though I have no recruits to sign this season, I decided to go to the Houston Classic. It's nearby, so it only costs me 2,000.

The remaining recruitment budget of 24,000 will be used to scout some JuCos, as a possible replacement for Todd Reed

[Wayne23]

Be patient, it may take time to get him eligible. He has to sit out a year. As long as he's eligible by Dec. 25, he can play the following year.

[randy]

Player Rotation: 4
- I plan to play all my games, so this depends on my lineup for the season. Normally, I might stick to relying only on 8 players; 2 of my subs should be able to play multiple positions (e.g. PG/SG, PF/C, etc.)

Offensive Pace: 10
- Because of the fact I have a lot of new players this season, I expect to play majority of offensive freedom. No point in taking time to setup plays, if we don't have much pays to run esp this season

Full Court Defense: 6
- Not a deep bench this year. Will adjust during the 2nd half, depending on the situation

Player preference: 6
- Just a little bit of bias towards veteran players

Defensive Intensity: 7
- Again, not a deep bench. If the key players are not in foul trouble, I can increase during the 2nd half of games

Zone Defense: 2
- I will play mostly man-to-man with double teaming, depending on the opponent

Offensive Crash Boards: 8
Defensive Crash Boards: 8
- Will adjust during the game, depending on the rebounding numbers


Important Player attributes:

- Tall lineup, as much as possible. Not much I can do about that this season, since I can't afford to be choosy during the last recruitment session. Hopefully on the upcoming seasons, I can give preferences to tall guards, and big PFs/Cs

- Other attributes that I will consider important across all positions:
1. FT shooting
2. Handling
3. Athleticism

[randy]

6/26

Shortlisted 10 JuCos, all PG. Highest rank is #27; lowest is #252. 3 are from GP region

Will cut the shortlist as the season progresses

[randy]

7/4/93

Academics:
- academic tutoring for those with GPA < 3.0 (12 players, including Reed)
- study more for the rest (3 players)

My academic objective is for everyone to graduate with a GPA of at least 3.5.