ForumsI had the pleasure of speaking with SNY.tv basketball expert Adam Zagoria this week. Nobody covers the New York Metro hoops scene better. If you are a real college hoops fan, do yourself a favor and add www.zagsblog.com to your address book. Here’s a portion of Adam’s takes on the topics we covered:
On Josh Selby: Adam said he was told that Selby texted the UT staff that he was reopening his recruitment, citing having committed “too early” and having only visited a couple of schools. Further, John Calipari’s stated willingness to play 2 or 3 points together puts Kentucky squarely in the Selby sweepstakes.
On Tobias Harris: “I kind of feel it will be UCONN.” Adam stated that the Huskies’ success in developing forwards for the NBA was a major factor. He also mentioned that Harris has a huge list of 15 schools that he and his father plan to cut down at the end of August. Finally, Adam said Kentucky has made up quite a bit of ground in this race.
On Jayvaughn Pinkston: Tennessee has certainly put on “the full court press” in this recruitment. Coaches Pearl and Forbes took a private jet to the Summer In The City tournament at St. John’s and kept close watch on Pinkston. Adam doesn’t think Jayvaughn will travel far from home, which benefits St. John’s or Villanova and hurts Tennessee.
On Kyrie Irving: No indication that Tennessee is in the hunt, thinks Indiana is a likely destination.
On The Possible Elimination Of The July Evaluation Period: “As a journalist, I like it.” However, he did concede that John Calipari’s position that coaches could better use the time on campus with their players and for vacations and family time is persuasive.
On Admission Fees At Summer Events: Some are “excessive,” but they are really “a drop in the bucket” to many programs.
On Tennessee Trying To Break Into The NYC Market Without A Coach With Big Apple Ties: “It’s kind of hard.” He cited Arizona, Rice, and Indiana as schools that have started to make waves in the area because of assistants with NewYork ties.
Hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to check out Adam’s blog. Until next time, stay classy, Volnation.
