I 'm assuming Mintz is
the highest rated of the
three. If we got all three,
good. However a legit
big in the 6'9"-11" range
is IMO our greatest need.
Is Capel in on any bigs?
I don't mean offers, I mean
IN.....where we have a
realistic chance.
I agree a Center is the #1 priority " need" just to say that first. And Barlow is very much a power forward, but we could get away with him with "some" center use. He would be a small center, but capable. He's quite talented.
But if it was me, I would secure the absolute best players I can possibly get in November and focus on a true center later. That sounds like kicking the can down the road for our biggest need, but the 3 players I am talking about above are Top 100 caliber players, now. If Kansas offers Barlow, who know how high his ranking bump is going to be. Dunn has 10 Power 6 offers in the last 2 weeks a lone. There are going to be significant shifts in the rankings because of summer play. Remember, a lot of stuff has been canceled because of the coronavirus in the last year so exposure is way down . So there is going to be significant movement in the rankings after the big tournaments take place.
There are a lot of centers we have reached out. We are getting a strong look at Matt Filipowski on the NY Rens. He's a teammate of Barlow, he's been productive and scored it well in his limited time, we offered him very early, and looks to be a clean 6'11, maybe 7'0. Numbers are good in the EYBL, want to see him rebound better. He's got an Illinois offer and a recent offer from Rick Pitino. We are a player for him.
Jerome Beya is an option as he has visited multiple times in the past year. I think we have a chance with Beya. The biggest target without question is Amani Hansberry who is a major talent. He's a 2023 kid, not sure if can reclass, but we watched Team Durant under 16's a lot. . He has visited Pitt already, is the best big man on the entire big board, and will be a difficult get but the absolute best get. We have recruited Christ Essandoko, but I dont think he is going to be a realistic get. Shawn Phillips has been disappointing in this tournament and should see his ranking fall. Phillips has good offers, but he is more potential than legit Top 40. Mintz said he is recruiting Phillips. Phillips needs to play better.
Again, if it was me, I would wait out the center position longer and see who steps up in the coming weeks, maybe see who transfers at seasons end, or who can reclass. The NY Rens are filthy loaded and playing time opportunity limited, but Im interested in getting some more looks at Matt Filipowski at Peach Jam in his limited time. He could be a sneaky sleeper center if he plays strong to finish out. Im surprised he has not gotten more power 6 interest to this point. The Rick Pitino offer is a bit more telling some people are taking notice.
