Robert Jones commits to ISU

Thoughts:
Is Grill still coming back? If so, that would be 3 spots filled that are ... (fill in the blank).

Could Jones and GC mean Foster is a 4?

It's ISU and Oakland battling for a recruit?

I'm no expert and whoever comes in, I'll be cheering!
 
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The reality is both these new recruits might be better than Foster and Conditt.
Jaz I can see doing this, he's shown he can be a contributor at the P6 level. But the jump between the Summit League to the B12 is massive, and Jones doesn't seem to have performed like a player ready to make that jump. I get that we need depth pieces and have lots of spots, but I don't know if it's worth potentially missing on a guy down the road who may or may not be in the portal yet to take Jones this fast.

I sure hope TJ can get an impact wing or guard because this team needs it, especially if Bolton is gone as the rumors say.
 
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Lots of overreacting in this thread. A new coaching staff wanting to bring in high character, hard worker type that will stay for 3 years and help build a culture can be a big positive into today's high player turnover environment.
 
Lots of overreacting in this thread. A new coaching staff wanting to bring in high character, hard worker type that will stay for 3 years and help build a culture can be a big positive into today's high player turnover environment.

Also being the worst program in the Big 12 for the past two years doesn’t help. People need to realize where we’re coming from right now.
 
People don't actually think that proven, impact transfers are coming to play on a two win team do they?

I know the pitch for Otz was mostly as an all star recruiter, but he isn't nearly as high profile or proven to sell that to top tier guys two weeks into this job.
 
People don't actually think that proven, impact transfers are coming to play on a two win team do they?

I know the pitch for Otz was mostly as an all star recruiter, but he isn't nearly as high profile or proven to sell that to top tier guys two weeks into this job.

Though I agree Otx will have to present a good case to come to ISU, I fully believe will be going after impact transfers this month. The staff was just set 2 days ago they are making calls as we post. TJ isn't resigned to just scouring the bottom of the portal.
 
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Also being the worst program in the Big 12 for the past two years doesn’t help. People need to realize where we’re coming from right now.
I find it hard to believe that given the amount of guys in the portal, there aren't a few that would prioritize playing in a premier conference and having a huge role if they can earn it. I really think the record the past two years is extremely overblown when you're talking recruiting guys who may be looking to jump up a level or two and get chances on ESPN/whatever. I would bet guys are more likely to think they'll change that and help turn the team into a winner than worried about what happened before they came.
 
There's 13 scholarship players. About 8 to 9 will contribute in games, possibly even just 7 once you get into meat of conference schedule. It's likely he won't be a game-changer on the court (most players aren't!), but that's not always needed or even preferred. Anyone who's looking for a bunch of transfers to be DeAndre Kane-type quick fixes for an 0-18 team are in la-la-land. The hope with Jones are probably some combination:
  • Character kid with length who can be a good practice player, has potential to improve, and understands his role
  • Helps build relationships/footing with his AAU program for future recruits
  • Potentially help get another transfer or future transfers due to friendships/connections
This idea that because TJ and staff said they will recruit the Midwest doesn't mean we'll just have the pick of the litter of Midwest prospects like some on here think. The staff has to start building and growing relationships in the area. This move can help with that.

Also, not saying this kid is Freddie Gillespie, but Gillespie averaged 10 PPG/8 RPG in his sophomore year at a D3 school before transferring to Baylor and averaging 10 PPG/9 RPG/2 BPG as the starting center in 28 mins/gm last season on a top 5 team. Solely projecting a player's potential based on his stats at a previous school is short-sighted.

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