Despite the fact that Nova has tanked at the end of each of the last two seasons, Jay Wright keeps coming up big in the recruiting field.
His latest victory came today, when he landed 5-star center Daniel Ochefu over Georgetown, Texas and Temple.
Ochefu is ranked in the top-20 overall for 2012 on Rivals, Scout and ESPN.
Ochefu is a very well-rounded player. He has a nice jump shot and is a good rebounder, passer and shot-blocker. At 6’10”, he can be a big presence in the paint. He needs to work on post moves, but that’s not really something we see a lot of in Nova’s “offense” anyway.
He is the 3rd big-name recruit in the 2012 class, joining Savon Goodman and Ryan Arcidiocono.
Since I have been keeping a recruiting spreadsheet (2005), he is the 2nd highest rated recruit for Jay Wright behind Mouph Yarou.
Players in bold have at least 3 years of eligibility remaining.
Here is what the future depth charts look like as well…
As you can see, this team has an embarrassment of riches that stacks up to almost anyone in the country. 75% of those spots are occupied by players that are ranked top-50 in the country by at least one service. 75%! I can tell you that the other teams I follow, Notre Dame and Temple, have a ONE player combined on their current rosters (Scott Martin, ND) that was ranked that high.
Jay Wright is bringing in talent that should make Villanova a perennial top-10 team and title contender. Now he’s got to show that he can coach them to reach that potential, something he hasn’t looked capable of doing since assistant coach (and X and O guy) Pat Chambers left for BU two years ago.
Good stuff but why don’t you have Mo Sutton on the chart for 12-13?
I’ve heard whispers that Cheek is transferring from Nova. Anybody got anything on this?
I second the Sutton comment.
He hasn’t officially signed (verbal commitment). Could this be a little preemptive?
I guess the hope is that Ochefu is good enough to come in and play right away. Sutton will still play, I imagine.
No, he hasn’t officially signed, but bball commitments are usually pretty solid.
The next shoe to drop could be Amile Jefferson.
This would be significant for 2 reasons.
First, he’s another 5-star, and plays PF.
Second, he would give this class (which could end up #1 in the country) an all-Philly-area flavor…
Get one more and what do you have??
Philly Fab-5!
He should just grab a random G to do that. like this kid: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Daquan-Walker-113499
Pete (or anyone), do you recall off the top of your head how highly regared the Fab five was? I saw bits and pieces of the “Fab Five” documentary but didnt see the beginning. I’m thinking that at least two of the 5 were “top 3″? I’m thinking the 2 guards were maybe top 30. I cant remember who the 5th was.
I know I could find this out pretty easily but this could be some conversation. I wish current college bball had players that I could actually remember. I would love it if the NBA (or NCAA) added an extra yr to the eligibility rule. I think it would benefit both the NBA teams and college bball at the same time.
Webber was unanimous #1 recruit – like a Shaq, Duncan, Oden or LeBron.
Howard was top-5.
Rose was top-10
King was top-20
Jackson was top-50
I agree that guys should do at least two years in college. I think a lot of these “high potential” guys do themselves a disservice by coming out before they’re ready. Better for them, the league, and the fans to get more seasoning (and consistent minutes) before making the jump.
I’d love to see more investment in the developmental league too. something along the lines of a Rule 5 draft might be cool also to increase mobility. maybe add a 3rd round in the draft for guys destined for the DL. i dont know, just a few thoughts.
I like the trend in these recruits towards bigger players. IMO, Nova’s biggest weakness has been lack of beef. Makes it easier for teams to force them to play on the perimeter when they don’t have much to work with inside. Yarou shows promise as far as that goes, and this new kid should help too.
There’s also this: http://www.thenovablog.com/2011/3/23/2067263/maalik-wayns-early-entry-nba-draft-rumor
That would be unwise.
I hear you Dude.
I havent heard anything about Cheek transferring or wayns going pro. I’d be surprised at either. Cheek should be happy and not upset. I’d be shocked if he wasnt a starter for the next 2 seasons.
Pete, do you have an opinion on the reason V has played worse despite getting better recruits? I’m thinking that Reynolds was an overachiever and carried the program to higher levels than anticipated.
I think V will have a much better yr next yr, especially since had two bad finishes so they are starting fresh as compared to following in the shadows of elite 8/final 4 teams (plus just having good players that are used to the program)
Reynolds was a good recruit. Pretty much all these guys are.
I think that the problem right now is coaching and Wright needs to identify his weaknesses as a coach (offensive x and o it would seem) and surround himself with assistants that can help.
it’s not completely uncommon for a big time recruiting class to disappoint. It looks like the 2012 class is going to be similar to the 2010 class – so hopefully Wright gets his act together by then.
I’m still just not sure the Nova has had the right X’es & O’s over the last couple years. I think they play on the perimeter too much because they just don’t have the guys to go inside with. I dont know whether that’s a problem of not targeting the right guys, or of not getting the guys you’re targeting, but I’m not sure that its a game planning issue per se.
Ok, so you’re thinking that Wright is not a great offensive coach, and is better at recruiting/defense? I had the impression that he was more of a guard/quick ball movement coach but lacked knowledge of the forwards or half court offense. That’s what’s confused me the past few years. I figured the team would flourish once they had a rotation that included Forward/Centers’.
Would you be able to compare/contrast the different big 5 (plus Drexel) coaches. I’d love to see your (or others) impressions on Wright/martelli etc. I’d also love learning a little more about recent coaches and their strategy such as Chaney’s matchup zone, among others like lappas. I think it be intersting to dig into why Wright used a 4 guard rotation while Chaney used to recruit players other coaches didnt want. I’m also wondering why Temple seems to keep getting foreign point guards that slow the game down (Pepe Sanchez seems to be the inspiration for the current TU PG)