Monday Morning Musings

Now that I have had a few days to soak everything in I wanted to put up some thoughts:

- Jarrid Famous has developed into a possible 'Plan B' option for Xavier on the recruiting front. Who is Famous? He is a 6-11 235 JUCO who just finished his season at Westchester Community College in New York. He posted impressive numbers at 24 PPG and 12 RPG. He visited Seton Hall in the fall, and he has recently made visits to South Florida and Missouri. In Adam Zagoria's blog (great resource of information for me) Jarrid is quoting that he is waiting to hear back from XU on lining up a visit. Originally from Bronx, NY and Blessed Sacrament HS he signed with Hartford after his prep playing days were over.

- 'Plan A' on the recruiting front remains Kyryl. IMG Academy website has him listed to visit Arizona State soon. He has already visited X, Ohio University, and Pittsburgh. The OU fans seem to think Pitt is out of scholarships for 09-10 unless DeJuan Blair declares for the NBA draft. The IMG site quoted his coach there saying his last visit is most likely to Miami-FL. As the 64th best prospect according to Rivals he is getting lots of attention. I read even Mick Cronin stopped by to visit him in Florida. Good luck with that one sippin.

- I imagine that if we cannot fill our last scholarship with either Kyryl or Jarrid, Sean will bank it. I think a talented D1 transfer is always an option. For 2010 we have JD Weatherspoon and Jordan Latham from Baltimore on board. The team could conceivably hold that scholarship for another 2010 prospect.

- Speaking of JD Weatherspoon I watched his team (Columbus Northland) win the state title over Cincinnati Princeton Saturday night. Both teams were loaded with talent. Princeton has seniors Orlando Williams headed to Miami-OH, Marquis Horne is going to Ohio, and Jordan Sibert is verbally committed to Thad Matta and OSU for the 2010 class. Sullinger from Northland won the Mr. Basketball award this year and became only the fifth junior to do so in the state. He is also a part of Thad's 2010 class at OSU. However my eyes were on JD. He picked up two quick fouls and played about 3 minutes in the first quarter. He didn't step on the floor again until the second half. I am glad I waited. My first thought was Bill Walker. JD had four monster dunks and a bunch of free throws to score a team high 18 points. Eighteen points in 19 minutes in the state championship game is damn impressive.

- Coaching carousel time is upon us. Today's edition of the Enquirer spoke to supposed interest and lack thereof by Sean and UK for their position. If I was handicapping that race it comes down to: John Calipari, Jay Wright, and Travis Ford. Oklahoma State fans sharply noted that Travis has cancelled all speaking engagements this week. There is no way in hades they are luring Tom Izzo from Michigan State. Tom's goal is to get the Spartans to the 'elite class' in college basketball and he is damn close to doing that. Also Andy Katz from ESPN reported in his blog Saturday night that Arizona and Virginia have already made inquiries. Miller instructed Mike Bobinksi to say 'thanks, but no thanks' to both schools.

- And before you folks who are campaigning for Sean to leave this season, or should I say hoping he leaves let's take a closer look at the Arizona job. They love their hoops in Tuscon. Certainly Sean's name has came up (see above) and Jamie Dixon is also prominently named because he is a west coast guy. However I would look for Arizona to make a run at Mark Few first. If not him guys like Randy Bennett at St. Mary's, Lon Kruger, Reggie Theus, and Scott Drew from Baylor are all potential canidates for that position. I am hoping Dixon is not entertained and by all accounts he loves working in Pittsburgh and was giving a new high dollar contract last season. Never say never in this business.

- Two years ago it was Sean was leaving for Minnesota. That was a hot rumor right up until Tubby Smith had his press conference. Last season Marquette had to be told no. I am not sure if Indiana ever made contact with Sean but he was on the list. I am proud he is on the 'lists' every offseason. As he turns more and more schools down it helps the image of Xavier.

- My final four bracket looks damn good. I have predicted correctly three of the four teams this year. Go back and look at the old posts, it's in there somewhere where I correctly picked Michigan State, UCONN, and North Carolina. My heart got in the way with Xavier.

- The season is winding down quickly and it is time for me to go out and get some fresh air. I will be back to report on recruits and coaching announcements as usual.