IndyResident16

Let's hope Geronimo or Cross commit sometime in the next few weeks (I'm guessing a commitment from one cancels out the other) and then really hone in on Garcia or Loveday. I have a feeling Garcia may be a spring signing and JBF as you eluded needs to wait to re-classify. I would be fine with Cross or Geronimo and then any of Garcia/Loveday/JBF. Would be a well-rounded class in my opinion and puts IU in a good position to really swing for the fences with a loaded 2021 class.

I have a feeling JBF is going to re-classify to the class of 2020. He would be worth a commitment and a potential red-shirt candidate.

Still leaves a logjam, even if somebody leaves. Sign Cross and Geronimo you're not getting a big for this class.

My guess is it is. Cross was rumored to be nearing a decision around this time before taking additional visits to Florida and A&M recently. I would say that if Cross hasn't committed by the time Geronimo visits later this month then it's fair game. Cross to my knowledge hasn't received any additional offers and I don't think this a recruitment that IU wants to drag out. If Geronimo wants to commit on the spot later this month more power to him.

I saw him several times lives over the last two years. Very long and athletic and got to the rim very well against pretty good high school competition night in and night out. Was a streaky shooter but shooting form looked okay. Has the physical size and tools to be a very good two way player down the line.

In regards to Lander: I struggle seeing elite athleticism. I categorize him as quick but not necessarily as an elite athlete. His ball skills, vision and court awareness are all there. He’s not a 3 level scorer and his jump shot needs work. However, I think there’s certain factors out of his control working against him, mainly size. He’s listed at 6’2 and I think that’s generous. Still young and still time to grow, but you aren’t a OAD 6’1, 6’2 unless you’re an elite athlete AND a 3 level scorer. He still has time to get there, but I question if it happens as underclassmen. As far as 2020 PG’s...I think Diarra is really the only one (other than Love who we aren’t getting) that is a true PG. Guys like Steward (who we also aren’t getting) and Davis despite his height are combo guards and elite scorers. Davis has handles, but he’s a high volume, shoot first type guard. Andre Curbelo is another name to keep an eye on. Depending on how this class shakes out and how things progress with Lander, wouldn’t be shocked to see IU go with a grad transfer PG as a one year rental.

It's been widely rumored that Archie is grooming Franklin to play PG. How that will work out, I'm not sure but that is the plan. My daughter cheers at Cathedral and have seen Franklin play many times, primarily as a PG. I know that isn't the same as in college but I believe he can play PG out of necessity as a back up plan to Rob. As good as Lander is, I'm not so sure he has a) the body type or b) the outside shooting ability to be a OAD. He definitely has NBA talent but not sold on him being a true OAD despite his high school ranking.

If we're being fair, he is a good player (AAU stats aside) that will actually fit Purdue's system quite well. Purdue's system requires all 3 guards/wings to be able to handle and pass the ball. Morton fits that bill extremely well. He can handle the rock and distribute the basketball as well as anyone and Purdue will be looking to replace Eastern in a short while. Archie really only needs one true PG in our current system. We have Phinisee for 3 more years and are in great position with Lander in the class behind. Morton just doesn't work as an off-ball guard in Archie's system. Not a good shooter nor have great driving/slashing ability.

If you're into rankings (I'm not), Ethan Morton will likely drop the furthest out of any recruit due to his play on the summer AAU circuit. Once a top 40 recruit on the 247 composite, he's already dropped almost 40 spots and in 247's home rankings dropped almost 70 spots outside the top 100. He averaged 4 ppg on 27% shooting and shot an abysmal 6% from the 3 point line (2-31). I suspect once these major sites update their rankings through the end of the summer he'll be well outside the top 100. I remember when people thought the world was ending when he committed to Purdue because we were going to get stuck with guys like Matt Cross, Galloway, and/or Leal. Give me those 3 over Morton any day of the week.

Which at the end of the day isn't the worst thing in the world, especially if you don't take recruiting rankings as gospel. There's always going to be 20-30 kids each class who are above the rest, but they likely aren't going to develop into 3-4 year upperclassmen. I guess I just don't see the difference in a player ranked 80th vs a player ranked 110th? I think once you get passed those top 20-25 kids, you're really just recruiting players who fit your system. A player ranked 110th may be a great shooter and the missing piece to your team. A player ranked 80th may be a great athlete who can get up and down the court and is a good fit for a team who runs a press defense for 40 minutes. The #100 to me is all arbitrary. I haven't seen any evidence that a player ranked 99 is better than a player ranked 101. They're all subjective.