Report: Moses Abraham commits to Georgetown

Kelin Blab

vslice I am still with you, I know moses has more stars by his name, but Yeguette I believe is very ready to help now and I hope IU is still recruiting him. I would love bringing in three super atheletic guys in one class and bring it all home in 2011/2012. Butler going to the elite 8, probaly helps them with Tyler Zeller, but you never know…….

Kelin Blab

q95…..I am not 100% sold on zeller coming in and making a impact. Not that he is not a talent but, I don't think he is that inside presence IU needs given he is more face up than back to the basket. Could be wrong, would love to have him, but not sold…..

btowniualumn

greatly appreciated here….watching the Hoya boards “HoyaTalk”, They were pretty rough on us IU fans/grads. Pretty sad that a situation like this had to resort to name calling and degrading of a school that most have never seen or been a part of. I for one have no idea what Georgetown's campus looks like, the diversity, the life, or even the academics. I do know that they are regarded as some of the best in the country and I respect any individual or fan base that can love their school/team with such vigor, but it seemed to get a little out of hand. You, sir/ma'am, are a class-act and what feel a TRUE Hoya is….congrats on the “get”, goodluck w/ your team in the coming years and wish you the best!!! Thanks for stopping by!

Kelin Blab

I understand family dynamics are far different these days with many kids and coaches and media have to do what they have to do to get info, like ITH. However, I want to commend the likes of parents of players and even close relatives who try to stay involved and help kids make this huge decision. I know Teagues family is very involved and others, but this “go between” person irks me.

I am not accusing Mr. Boncore of anything, but what happened to the high school coach, being involved? My dad, mom, and high school coach were my 'people' in helping me pick a school. Whye does everyone need 'people' these days…..High School coaches have become about as important as going to basketball camps and a high school basketball season when it comes to recruiting….nil

It is all about “the people”, “the advisors”, and AAU coaches. Nothing against AAU coaches as I have one in my family, but I just think the high school coach, who usually is a teacher and knows the academics and the player as a person is becoming a non factor.

Ok I feel better now…..

btowniualumn

Crean is struggling?? I hope you dont truly believe this? He pulled in what many regard as a Top 10 to Top 15 Recruiting class last year. —He's struggling?? He swept in on a G-town lock and delayed his decision for two weeks—Struggling?? Really?? He has several fantastic recruits here in the state SERIOUSLY looking at Indiana. I, for one, feel like he is doing anything but. I will only BEGIN to believe that Crean is “Struggling” if he cannot put together a “Decent” Class together next year and a “Great” Class for 2012. Those should be the measuring sticks……not a “4-star” recruit that we missed on VERY late in the game. Maryland was in right off the bat (Boncore has STRONG ties to Maryland, and Moses lost a lot of interest). Also, the fact that you mentioned Creek and Watford only attests to Crean's “Struggling” recruiting ability. Creek committed w/o visit….now that's a sell!!! THIS is the pessimism I was referring to in an earlier post………

mmarsden

Fairly new to the site, guys. Disappointed about Abraham, but what can you tell me about Yequete and Wilkins? Don't know much about them.

http://www.prinsportsblog.com BGleas

I don't know if Moses is committed to G'Town or not, but you have to admit that Boncore really benefits more if he does commit there. I'm not saying Boncore is shady or doing anything illegal, I'm just saying that he lives around DC/MD and somehow has access to some talented players, so it really benefits him in his hometown to funnel those kids to G'Town and Maryland.

It kind of makes him a player in one of the most basketball rich areas of the country. Again, I don't mean he's doing anything illegal, just saying he has to have some interest in this beyond 'just helping the kid', it's only human nature.

marchus

Matt Carlino has just decommited ladies and gentleman…… this is an awful day

btowniualumn

Where did you hear this?

Kelin Blab

Make sure you check out the video section mmarsden, Yeguette is on there. Both players are very athletic, Yeguette is known for his rebounding and toughness, he is 6'7. Wilkins is long, at 6'9, probaly more polished offensively than Moses and Yeguette, spent one year in juco would have 3yrs to go. If you ask me, IU gets either player I would be thrilled, not the defensive player that moses is but more polished offensively. we will see….

BigRed3588

I appreciate this as well. I was actually posting on Hoya Talk for a little bit, under the name weknowbball, and began receiving some rather unpleasant messages in addition to the name calling and degradation of our school that btownalumn mentioned. It's nice to see that there are some Hoya fans with class

M&Choosierfactory

After finally watching some video of him today, I am not convinced he could have helped us next year. Maybe he could have, maybe not.

Let's sign that Wilkins kid who has never played organized basketball. Or, maybe we should save the ride for '11 and '12

HoosierCrabbe

Alright, obviously I wish we didn't hire Sampson in the first place. It was just a sad attempt at sarcasm because I was upset about the signing. I still have optimism for our program as long as we can make the NIT next year. If we play better in the pre-big ten games and and with a healthy Maurice Creek that should be too much of a reach. I love IU basketball, I hope no-one took it that I didn't.

marchus

mike pegram

btowniualumn

Wilkins has played Organized ball….just hasnt played a real game in the last year and a half…..he played for the professional Belgium b-ball team but did not get paid…thus, due to NCAA & NJCAA rules, he had to sit out. His JUCO coach thinks his team would have been the number one JUCO team in the country w/ him instead of a Top 15. Apparently, he is “instant offense” with a tremendous shot, but he lacks a little on defense…..this is just my small amount of research I have done

mmarsden

I'm assuming thats a joke. You don't transfer from Arizona to the middle of Indiana unless you are certain you are going to play hoops there.

btowniualumn

Nothing on the site? Maybe this is freeing up some space for someone in the 2011 class?

marchus

i am afraid not….. carlino confirmed this himself earlier today

btowniualumn

Saw several of your posts….I finally tried to sign up to throw some back up for ya'….still waiting on approval. Too little too late, huh?? Nice work though……

marchus

Yeah i am a premium member on peegs….. the board is going crazy……

btowniualumn

Im sure….College BBall Recruiting is a bizarre creature….(i.e. Moses Abraham). We just ahve to trust the CTC is making the right moves to better the program. Honestly, we were discussing the scholly situation and where were they going to come from? We need a playmaker…Carlino is good, but from what I understand, he is another Jordie Hulls(incredibly smart on the floor, good vision, can dribble drive a little better, but not really a game changer). There are some serious game changers in 2011 & 2012….I like Etherington, but if we sign another for next year, then we have a couple of transfers….Carlino is out…that opens up a lot of possibilities

cooper

It was pretty clear when they said we visited IU to give them a chance that he was going elsewhere

http://twitter.com/IUgrad07 Deon Mitchell

Tommy Crean make you MIND up… what type of players are you seeking… Seems to me ANY one with ENERGY… watching the NCAA play out just irks me. You see COACHES with a style and you see PLAYERS playing into that style… WHO are you? We should have HIRED an IU guy? what is the ceiling on Crean really? His name and NCAA national champ don't mix. BESIDE maurice creek, watford, and the homesick kid that transferred last year and southern kid that transfer WHO else where you recruiting? IU is more than pride, tradition, and history… YOU need to step it UP

Kelin Blab

Sorry Btowniualumn….Carlino is very good and if he doesn't come to that would suck tremendously. I know Crean will still recruit him, not sure what scared him off, or could it be the pursuit of other players like J.Davis, Teague, etc. I really like the kid and hope like hell, Teague, Davis or someone can bring some good news IU's way, it REALLY sucks right now.

Kelin Blab

We should have hired an IU guy. Interesting lets look at our options?

1. Greg Graham….High School coach
2. Dane Fife….IPFW
3. Isaih Thomas….Huge success with the knicks
4. Bob Knight…won't come to his own HOF induction
5. Pat Knight…see above
6. Randy Whitman….great NBA coach, right up there with Phil Jackson
7. Brad Brownell….where is he even coaching.
8. Dan Dakich….currently a radio host, great show, there is a reason he is in radio

Take your pick. Yes it is Crean's fault, nick williams left, Carlino opened up his recruitment…these two things have NEVER happened at ANY other school in the history of sports.

Andrew

Bawa is a bust? Really? Because he wasn't ready to play much as a true freshman? Ok, if you say so.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jonathon-Streander/1186408299 Jonathon Streander

well done crean…..why don't you try learning from Butler, Purdue, Ohio State, ND and UofL and start recruting INDIANA players……this guy is not the right coach for the job. How much more proof do we need?

I Bleed Crimson

Not relevent after 87? Did you forget about the 2 years with Jay Edwards, the 4 years with Calbert Cheney's group (Final Four in 92 and ranked number 1 in 93 and had a shot at the championship before Alan Henderson got hurt), Big Ten Co Champs in 02. How can you say we were overmatched in the 02 Final Four. We made it to the Finals. A run like that is not a fluke. Bottom line is that I stll see just as many pepole wearing IU gear when I am out which means some of these local kids are IU fans too. It will only take a couple good Indiana kids to go to IU to turn the program around like it did for Purdue. Just have patience. This stuff all runs in cycles.

TWiz

Oh really? Just look at the NCAA tourney. How many ex-IU players have has major contributions to other teams!!

marcusgresham

I agree with you–given that quick evaluation Tom Coverdale would have been considered a bust.

Big guys often take longer to develop, to become coordinated, and to make players of themselves–especially ones who grew up in third-world countries not playing basketball.

Kelin Blab

Does anyone know where Hulls, Elston, or teague is from…or J.Davis and Etherington?

indiananorthshore

What is the deal with you and your love affair with TC, look at where this program is with absolutely no signs of getting better.

I Bleed Crimson

Did you just say it is a shame Sampson got caught. Way to condone cheating.

TWiz

Oh really? Just look at the NCAA tourney. How many ex-IU players have has major contributions to other teams!!

OhioHoosier

No signs of getting better?! Did you miss the article from this site about how IU improved in ALL MEASURABLE CATEGORIES this year? They are certainly getting better, it's just that they have a long way to go and it won't happen overnight.

OhioHoosier

I know. If he can't even get the 2009 Indiana Mr. Basketball after 1 year at IU, he should just quit!

Kelin Blab

My love affair with Crean is based on these ‘realistic’ things:
1. IU was lucky to get a coach who wanted to come into this mess, given Few, Alford, Calipari, and Hewitt didn’t even want to interview for the job….lon kruger was interested, surely you didn’t want him?
2. This team has gotten better in three key areas since Crean has been here…off court issues like behavior, academics, and no violations, recruiting in the state, and building a foundation
3. IU is NOT immune to problems, Carlino decommitting….gee didn’t Eric Gordon do the same thing, didn’t David Williams do the same thing?
4. On a national level, IU is getting in the door with high level recruits, Mo Creek, Watford, Irving, Selby, etc. Are we landing all of them, no but IU is back in the conversation.
5. The push for a facility by Crean will help IU tremendously with the current team and in recruiting.
Having coached high school basketball and playing in college I understand building a program is not ez, not done over night, and takes time, and especially if you plan to do it the right way. So my ‘love affair’ with Crean is not blind, just based on where we were, where he is going, and are they moving in the right direction…..

indiananorthshore

Having coached in high school and played in college does nothing for me. I played college football and I can assure you it doesn't qualify me for being an expert. TC has lived off of one recruit. DW. Do you like this stellar class he is bringing in. Other coaches have turned programs around very quickly. Unlike football, where you need two or three years to build depth i.e. Michigan. Basketball takes 2 or 3 studs and a system. It should not be that tough being Indiana. We have now been surpassed in the Big Ten by Northwestern. How can you possibly think this program is getting better. I also can assure you based on my discussions with people in Milwaukee no is said TC left.

marcusgresham

I agree with you–given that quick evaluation Tom Coverdale would have been considered a bust.

Big guys often take longer to develop, to become coordinated, and to make players of themselves–especially ones who grew up in third-world countries not playing basketball.

marcusgresham

Look, the bottom line is that pretty much everything was stacked against IU here. He lives in the DC area, so he's probably most familiar with the Georgetown program; his family is obviously fond of Georgetown; it's a school known for producing centers; it has a tradition with African-born players (Dikembe Mutombo, Boubacar Aw, others); it was in the process well before IU. That Crean got as close with this kid as he did should be very encouraging. It would have been nice to sign him, but don't sweat it, there will be another guy–may be Yeguete, may be Wilkins, may be a player from next year now that there's also Carlino's scholarship. (Personally I hope it's Peter Jurkin, because that's just a funny name to say for the next 4 years!)

Kelin Blab

I never said I was an expert, just I understand what it takes to build a program. You playing college football does give you credibility on that subject, just as being a coach and playing in college gives me some credibility. I love his class he is bringing because:
1. These two kids want to be at IU.
2. They bring athleticism to IU that we need.
3. They are strong rebounding wings and players who don’t need to dominate the ball to score. You need players like this.
4. Finally they are finishers around the basket
Michigan basketball is still far far below IU basketball, as they have accomplished nothing under beilen. They lost to IU this year and didn’t make the tourney. Now bringing in two studs yes, Harris and the other kid they have are comparable to Creek and Watford…but tell me what 5 star big time recruits has Michigan bought in outside of those two? Finally I gave you multiple reasons why IU is better on and off the court, and you either ignored them or don’t want to give Crean any credit. Crean should use D. Wade as much as possible given many coaches don’t have that ‘pro’ player they can say they had a hand in his success, such as Michigan, Northwestern, Minny, and the list goes on and on. Although Crean has had Diener and Novak at IU to talk with kids, so it is not only wade. If what Crean is doing is not working in your opinion, I would love to know WHO we should have hired and would we be in the tourney right now if we hired that person? Given all things being equal, sanctions, no ties in Indiana to h.s. coaches, and inability to recruit your first 3-4 months without your entire staff.

aceman07

Crean also pulled in players like Diener, and Dominic James (who by the way is from Indiana and was the Indiana Basketball News player of the year and runner up for Mr. Basketball) and even without Wade had his team year in and year out in the NCAA tournament at a mid-level school like Marquette, yet no one wants to give him any real time to turn this program around. I've said it before and I'll say it again, all of you impatient IU fans need to keep repeating this mantra, “Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor, Baylor . . .”

Do you have it yet???

indiananorthshore

Apologize I did not make my self clear. I was referring to Michigan football, and how it takes time to rebuild a program unlike basketball. I hope I'm wrong and you are right about Hoosier Basketball, however I think based on the last two years and what the future looks like we choose the wrong guy to lead us back.
P.S. Please take this as a compliment President Obama and the Democratic Congress could use you as their publicist.

Kelin Blab

Indiananorthshore….this is why I love ITH guys like you come on make some good points, respectfully and we debate, but ultimately we want to see this program come back sooner rather than later. Like you, I don’t know how much bad news a program, Crean, or IU can take…you just want something positive to happen….

tjt

Not to defend the more meanspirited posts (and there definitely were a number of them) but your jab at JTIII needing his daddy is a touchy subject for Georgetown fans. We love the fact that our coaching is a family affair and we're quite confident in JTIII's abilities with or without Big John. The insinuation that JTIII can't do it without daddy is one people are tired of hearing (JTIII was the lead recruiter on Monroe, for example) and one that seems condescending.

That said, of all the one-off recruiting lurkers from other schools, you were one of the more fun/honest and least snarky. Good luck. I liked the big ten a lot more when indiana was a force in bball. get back to it.

Hoagland

Kelin,

First let me say, normally I really like you man. Now, let me bring up a few things.

Re 5. Creen pushing for a facility? What facility? The practice facility? It was already in the works before Crean was here, the only say Crean had was to put a shower in his office and take a window that was supposed to be there for Sampson because Crean knows you can't watch players scrimmage in the off season.

Re 4. IU in the conversation. Well this can be played both ways. I see your point, but why couldn't I just say this: “Crean is wasting time trying to get in with 5-star recruits that he realistically has no chance of landing instead of going after realistic options that could help build our future.” Just because we are in the convo doesn't mean anything more than Crean can convice a kid to let him give a pitch, not that we were anywhere close to getting any of these guys.

re 3. David Williams was a sad recruit in the first place, and Eric Gordon decommited amongst a coaching change at his IN STATE school that he grew up liking. Very different situations than Carlino, who moved here to be close to the program. I will take the heat if Carlino announces hes moving back to Arizona and is to become a Wildcat, but I'm not sure thats why he decommited.

re 1. How about Brad Stevens of Butler, to name just one. Didn't even look at the guy, and now hes in the Elite 8 with recruits that other top programs didn't want. I'd say that would be pretty nice right now. Howard, Haywood, and Norid are all his recruits BTW.

My point here is why are people taking sides so strongly? I hope Crean is the guy to bring us back, I love his enthusiasm, but really we don't know. So far, the showing has been none too impressive, but I know he inherited a nightmare. It's time to start moving more in the right direction however, and citing that we got better this year over last year is a joke. We didn't get much better and our talent level was twice as high. We had no where to go but get better at everything. I think we all just need to be cautiously optomistic here. I hope Crean pulls it out, but so far he hasnt given any real indication that he can. He brought in a good class, that frankly he didn't do much to develop. Is there any true evidence that Bawa is going to work out at all? Hes just as likely another Tijan in terms of impact as he is a good future center. The point being, we just don't know. I hope for the best, but until there are true signs that we are heading back to promise, I don;'t think we can truly back Crean with so much assuredness. I like the guy, and hope he does well, but there truly isnt a defense for him being the right guy yet. I hope there is one day, but so far, there just honestly is not. Let the jury be out…

walton

First off I am pretty disappointed we didn't land Abraham. But lets look at it this way: everyone was about to put IU back on the contention map if they signed this ONE very talented big man recruit. I for one was. So what does that say? To me it sounds like IU was ONE recruit away from making some noise. If this is the case then I would say IU is getting closer to where everyone associated with IU wants to be.

btowniualumn

My issue is similar, but somewhat the opposite. How can we be so quick to judge Crean either way?? I, personally, think he is doing everything he can to make this program better….is that enough?? I have no idea b/c a situation hasn't been played out like this before. Sure, brought in a Top recruiting class and didn't “develop them”, but could you say that about Roy Williams and UNC this year? Does that make him a poor coach?? No, it simply means that we had a young team w/ VERY limited experience….they are now playing w/ guys that have the similar or better talent than them. Experience can, many times, trump talent…and I think that showed in many cases this year. I'm buying what Crean is selling, b/c, he's selling the right thing….building a great program w/ the right players, physically & academically. We were in the extreme bottom of the Div 1 as far as “age of team (Frosh, Soph, Jun, Sen)….I want to say #344 out of 365, but I can't verify that at this time. We won more, we were closer in many games, and we were hit w/ injuries to our, in my opinion, best outside threats. There were things that happened this year….foreseen & not….that caused the season we had. His recruiting class from last year is going to be great…..how can you not see it?!? He HAS to build….and keep building. Kentucky and Calipari are NOT the rule, they are the EXCEPTION!! Crean took Marquette to being very competitive in the Big East….I feel he has the ability to do so w/ IU. Patience is needed…..there is not enough of a sample to gauge whether or not Crean is doing a good job. This past year should, really, be considered his FIRST year b/c 08-09 team were just “fillers”. I expect more this year, and even more for 2011-12. I will devise my plan then.
My final thoughts are this: We were clamoring on about Iowa firing Licklighter too soon. He had only 3 years!! We cannot fall into the same trap….and I dont think we will. It's hard to be a Hoosier fan these days, but I where my colors proudly and will buy what CTC is selling until he proves that he is not doing the job. I just don't think we have reached that point yet….we improved this past year…it's black and white…see the stats. It's not the improvement we want, but it is improvement. Put these same kids in the close games we lost this year, but add a year of experience, weight/muscle gain, and I think the turn out is different.

I am a pretty patient impatient guy. I WANT the Hoosiers to be back to relevance now, I WANT to be pondering where IU is going to be seeded on Selection Sunday, I WANT to watch IU hang another banner now…..but I want it done the right way, the way Knight did it. Im not sure if Crean can, but I definitely don't have enough to say he CAN'T! He is doing the right stuff…..2011 & 2012 particularly, will be the measuring stick for Crean. If we aren't Tops in the Big Ten and Tourney bound by then, then I will be one of the FIRST calling for a change in guard….but give the guy his due diligence before calling for his head!!

IUMIKE1

Kelin…..completely agree. With the way CTC runs things (offensive sets wise) I too think we need the kind of player you are talking about. Not that I don't think Zeller could help us I just don't think that he is going to be the impact player some think he will be. I am what, I'm sure most would consider, an ole fart but I have been around a lot of bball either playing, coaching or observing and I base my opinion, and that is all that it is, on having seen him play in person more than once. I am from southern IN and have discussed this kid at length with several other people who I consider to be very knowledgable about the game of bball as many of them are still coaching or have coached or refereed for quite some time. The general consenus seems to be the same as what you have. Now…. having said that I do not profess to know more than Crean and if he does sign this kid he may very well turn him into something special and I hope he does….for all of our sakes. Some of my fellow ole farts and myself wonder if it is not as much about locking down the instate recruits as much as it is about signing the best there is that is available to us.

marsh21

My issue with the MA decision was it appears the choice was clear before he even boarded the plane from D.C. MA made the decision the day he returned from a two day trip to B-town! Crean either appears to be desparate and without common sense or he's putting too much into what the actual recruit says verses the family. He spent considerable time on MA which took away valuable time with others.

I saw a similar approach to Irving where the kid wanted to come and was giving great feedback to IU but the father put a stop on it. The same appears to be true with MA but this time it his host family.

I hope Crean's approach has more to do with IU's situation verses his typical recruiting patterns because this makes IU look bad. To have a very public 4 star recruiting chase occure in the media like this did and not get him makes people think he should stick to Indiana verses going all over the place looking for talent.

I hope this is just a short term problem.

ITH on Twitter

Resources

Recruiting

Comments