ISU's release regarding Darien Williams' release
- Thread starter RobWGray
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To each their own. I'm not saying either of you are right or wrong...but its time to move on both those guys are gone
Over and done with, I know. But an honest question for those that haven't been bothered by this situation:
Do you think Williams asked out and was granted a release from his LOI without ever a word from someone that he'd have a spot at SJU? I find that hard to believe, and I don't think there's an ethical and acceptable way for this to occur unless you think Hoiberg did it himself.
Do you think Williams asked out and was granted a release from his LOI without ever a word from someone that he'd have a spot at SJU? I find that hard to believe, and I don't think there's an ethical and acceptable way for this to occur unless you think Hoiberg did it himself.
I would argue that it is fairly rare to completely sell the school to a kid before he attends unless he has been a fan for a while or has another deeper connection to the institution. We've been lucky with a couple of guys, Niang comes to mind, that seemed to be completely sold and embraced the culture before even living on campus and becoming a part of the student body.
Recruiting is all about building a relationship with the athlete and his family and when the primary person you are dealing with in that process is no longer a part of the equation that can often lead to one of the biggest components of your decision being taken away from you. As a fan of ISU basketball I can understand (and share) the hope that every kid that comes to play ball here has had a sip of the kool-aid and is eager to be a part of the big picture, but it's not shocking to me when kids to decide to leave and follow a coach that they've built a relationship with to another institution. It seems petty to me to berate the coach or athlete when it happens. If Williams is following MA, it just goes to show that MA was doing a great job in his role as recruiter insofar as building relationships with prospective players goes.
T.J. seems to be a master at building relationships as well, and I'm certain that this skill will play a big role in going after and obtaining some great recruits for us this spring and into the future.
I think that we benefit from similar situations just as much as anyone else does. Everyone is looking at this like Fred and MA are now enemies which is not the case. If DW didn't want to be here without MA here and wanted to go where MA was then I would hope they hashed that out between them before all of this went down.
I've said several times I think Hoiberg signed off on it. It's the only reasonable answer- there isn't way Matt A does anything to burn a bridge with Fred.
Would you bring MA in to your program if he isn't going to recruit this kid because his past employer has interest in the same kid? Nope...MA was brought it with the idea he would try to get DW to follow him! Along with any of the others players Mullin might have interest in. That is the way this business is played!
But that's the point, Diallo is fair game. DW is fair game once released from hi LOI. But before then he is not.
I think you are wrong and underestimate the relationship between Matt and Fred. I think the comments from program insiders backs me up. Specifically see the comments on TJ not recruiting NGW.
Look......this is meant to be a very respectful response. I don't think many fans really understand recruiting or questions like this wouldn't be hashed over again and again. It depends on the recruit, but MANY recruits (especially jucos and transfers like Williams) are looking for a place to play and the lead recruiter builds the relationship and makes them feel they'll take care of every need they'll have throughout their college life. Do you really think Royce White cared a hoot about who Fred Hoiberg was 'before' he came here and experienced it? Heck no. He wanted a second chance, not to mention not wanting to fly to Kentucky for a visit, and MattA assures him that its the place to be. I bet you could ask alot of recruits that come to ISU that this would be the case, regardless what they say in a recruiting story or how they chose the school. Do you really think Chris Allen, Will Clyburn, and others, totally chose ISU because of Hoiberg? No. MattA does the leg work and convinces them its the place to be. Now, a guy like Clayton Custer or Georges Niang may have specifically came to Iowa State because of how he felt about Hoiberg and his style of play, etc.. Just saying....there are plenty of players who originally didn't come to ISU because they were enamored by Hoiberg, his style of play, or life in Ames. Its just what the lead recruiter has convinced him is best for him. Until some of them get here and become part of the family, they don't live it...the university, the program, Hoiberg's the man...... like us.
On a side note: Burton coming had nothing to do with Williams. Williams is 100% here if Matt doesn't leave for another job.
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Freely and happily admit that I am not an insider at all...so if MA takes DW with them then Fred is OK with it right? But if MA never left ISU then DW is at ISU and Fred is OK with that too? Does Fred not have a vested interest in which players are recruited? Or was Fred going to nudge DW out anyway? Relationships are very important...but in NCAA coaches are paid to win! Why wouldn't Fred care if DW comes or goes?
You guys are bat **** insane. If Fred wasn't cool with it, he'd have blocked the transfer or not released him.
What if I told you Williams was a good player but Fred valued his personal relationship with a friend whose wedding he was in and recruited many of the players Fred has built his success on?
And that he probably just said, "You recruited him to ISU, I wouldn't have him without you. If he wants to follow you that's ok."
No, obviously Matt is shady and evil all of a sudden and he and Hoiberg are now mortal enemies. You guys are pathetic.
What if I told you Williams was a good player but Fred valued his personal relationship with a friend whose wedding he was in and recruited many of the players Fred has built his success on?
And that he probably just said, "You recruited him to ISU, I wouldn't have him without you. If he wants to follow you that's ok."
No, obviously Matt is shady and evil all of a sudden and he and Hoiberg are now mortal enemies. You guys are pathetic.
Why are people freaking out about this? It was so obvious that when MA left and DW wanted out of his LOI that he would end up at St. Johns. If Hoiberg didn't want DW to leave (or obviously go to St. Johns), he didn't have to let DW out of his LOI which would force him to have to sit out a year before playing for another school.
That is a bad habit of mine...exclamation points!!
Actually...I am at the stage of my life where I enjoy any success that ISU has in sports...really enjoy it...but if things don't work out all that much I really don't lose any sleep over it. I didn't get to see all of the conference tourney games because my children wanted to play outside with me and I didn't mind going outside at all. I do enjoy talking sports but I just don't get that worked up over it anymore. Cheer for the good things and shrug my shoulders over the bad things and move on. I wasn't always this way though...having children has really changed my perspective on sports. Go State!!!
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