Good article on JVZ and why he picked NU on 247 sports(free)
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This is new
His
goals are clear. Personally, van Zegeren wants to make the NBA. His impressive
size and athleticism helped him to averages of 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in
13 games this season, and he believes Collins can help him become even better.
"He
really believes that he can help me with my basketball career, to take it to
the next level," van Zegeren said of Collins. "I feel like him and the
assistant coaches are definitely the kind of guys that can help me reach my
potential. They gave me that feeling."
Well, this is the first time an NU player chose NU to help him get to the NBA. Collins is definitely selling a new feel, which I like.
Link to article
His
goals are clear. Personally, van Zegeren wants to make the NBA. His impressive
size and athleticism helped him to averages of 9.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in
13 games this season, and he believes Collins can help him become even better.
"He
really believes that he can help me with my basketball career, to take it to
the next level," van Zegeren said of Collins. "I feel like him and the
assistant coaches are definitely the kind of guys that can help me reach my
potential. They gave me that feeling."
Well, this is the first time an NU player chose NU to help him get to the NBA. Collins is definitely selling a new feel, which I like.
Link to article
the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Here is something I found interesting:
"Talks with athletic director Jim Phillips and school president Morty Schapiro left van Zegeren even more impressed with Northwestern."
How common is for the university president to get involved in the recruiting of a student athlete, especially one who at most would be in the team one year, and who has strong but not extraordinarily so credentials? Obviously he does not get involved in the recruiting of the vast majority of ordinary grad students (non athletes), and probably doesn't get involved in the recruiting of most student athletes who visit campus. There are quite a few of those visits in a given year, even if one only considers FB and mens BkB. So, what makes vZ so special?
Isn't there a danger that the precedent may force the prez to meet other potential SA in the future, just to satisfy the expectations that have been created ("why did he meet vZ and not me", could someones ask in the future..."am I less wanted?")...eventually "equallity" issues may even come into play...potentially it could get ugly.
As for JP, I am less surprised he is mentioned, but still suspect it is a rarity for him to get involved when most potential student athletes visit the campus...again, there are quite a few of those visits in a given year, even if one only considers FB and BkB visits.
Here is something I found interesting:
"Talks with athletic director Jim Phillips and school president Morty Schapiro left van Zegeren even more impressed with Northwestern."
How common is for the university president to get involved in the recruiting of a student athlete, especially one who at most would be in the team one year, and who has strong but not extraordinarily so credentials? Obviously he does not get involved in the recruiting of the vast majority of ordinary grad students (non athletes), and probably doesn't get involved in the recruiting of most student athletes who visit campus. There are quite a few of those visits in a given year, even if one only considers FB and mens BkB. So, what makes vZ so special?
Isn't there a danger that the precedent may force the prez to meet other potential SA in the future, just to satisfy the expectations that have been created ("why did he meet vZ and not me", could someones ask in the future..."am I less wanted?")...eventually "equallity" issues may even come into play...potentially it could get ugly.
As for JP, I am less surprised he is mentioned, but still suspect it is a rarity for him to get involved when most potential student athletes visit the campus...again, there are quite a few of those visits in a given year, even if one only considers FB and BkB visits.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Stanford used to regularly use and abuse condoleeza rice in their recruiting efforts. They probably still do. Its the best wow factor academic schools can utilize to offset the "pro" resources all the factories can leverage...
Stanford used to regularly use and abuse condoleeza rice in their recruiting efforts. They probably still do. Its the best wow factor academic schools can utilize to offset the "pro" resources all the factories can leverage...
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
There is something special about JvZ. He may not be a lottery pick, but he fills in a critical gap for us. He is the missing link.
Experienced accomplished player that is good in all the areas we are bad. He rebounds and defends the rim. I project he will be the best transfer we've had since Walker Lambiotte, though that may not be saying a ton.
He may or may not make it to the League, but the fact that CCC is selling him on it and he believes it tells me he has the goods and there is no way he is here just to back up Olah. Meet your 2014-2015 starting PF for the Northwestern Wildcats. Aaron Falzon, don't worry undue pressure to produce as a freshman and enjoy coming off the bench in your freshman year.
There is something special about JvZ. He may not be a lottery pick, but he fills in a critical gap for us. He is the missing link.
Experienced accomplished player that is good in all the areas we are bad. He rebounds and defends the rim. I project he will be the best transfer we've had since Walker Lambiotte, though that may not be saying a ton.
He may or may not make it to the League, but the fact that CCC is selling him on it and he believes it tells me he has the goods and there is no way he is here just to back up Olah. Meet your 2014-2015 starting PF for the Northwestern Wildcats. Aaron Falzon, don't worry undue pressure to produce as a freshman and enjoy coming off the bench in your freshman year.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
This is one of the most ridiculous concerns I have ever heard conjured up. I am sure that Morty just happened to be around behind the scenes in the arena during the day of his visit, and they had a brief handshake and conversation. There is absolutely no way this sets any sort of precedent whatsoever, let alone a bad one. Equality issues? Get ugly? Good lord.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Do you happen to know approximately how many times in recent years has the prez " just happened to be around behind the scenes in the arena during the day of " a visit by a potential SA?
If I was a feminist I would also ask if this "coincidence" has ever happened during a visit by a female potential SA....but don't worry about me...I do not have such concerns!!
Care to elaborate why/how are you SURE that his meeting with MS was coincidental? The original article does not imply so, but you may have superior information....
Do you happen to know approximately how many times in recent years has the prez " just happened to be around behind the scenes in the arena during the day of " a visit by a potential SA?
If I was a feminist I would also ask if this "coincidence" has ever happened during a visit by a female potential SA....but don't worry about me...I do not have such concerns!!
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
This is all typical of college recruiting.
This happens all the time! I met the President and AD at a luncheon complete with cheerleaders when I visited NU. I met the President, AD, and Mayor of the City of Lubbock, Texas, when I visited Texas Tech. The Mayor handed me a ceremonial key to the City of Lubbock (insert joke here) while a band played and cheerleaders cheered as I stepped off a plane at the Lubbock airport.
This is all typical of college recruiting.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
For what it's worth, Morty attends a lot of student events outside of sports and hosts student dinners every so often. He's not only meeting future football and basketball players.
For what it's worth, Morty attends a lot of student events outside of sports and hosts student dinners every so often. He's not only meeting future football and basketball players.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Yeah, I would be real eIxcited to meet Condi. She was head of NSA during 2 of the biggest intelligence failures in our country's history (9/11 and WMD fiasco). Incompetence personified.
I would still consider Stanford after meeting her but it would be despite the meeting, not because of it.
Yeah, I would be real eIxcited to meet Condi. She was head of NSA during 2 of the biggest intelligence failures in our country's history (9/11 and WMD fiasco). Incompetence personified.
I would still consider Stanford after meeting her but it would be despite the meeting, not because of it.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Anybody remember Duke transfer Michael Thompson? I sure do. I also remember Ecat had a major boner for the guy and thought he was going to take the cats to the promised land. Sound familiar?
Anybody remember Duke transfer Michael Thompson? I sure do. I also remember Ecat had a major boner for the guy and thought he was going to take the cats to the promised land. Sound familiar?
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
We are not expecting him to be a savior and he's already produced at a decent level, so I don't really see the Michael Thompson similarities. Michael Thompson was a McDonald's All-American, I believe, and the expectations were very high. This kid was not highly recruited but can clearly grab some rebounds and block some shots.
We are not expecting him to be a savior and he's already produced at a decent level, so I don't really see the Michael Thompson similarities. Michael Thompson was a McDonald's All-American, I believe, and the expectations were very high. This kid was not highly recruited but can clearly grab some rebounds and block some shots.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
When you wake up in the morning, and the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming, do you immediately start to worry about thermonuclear annihilation?
Using all available resources in recruiting is something Northwestern has been doing for a long time. When Kendall Hackney re-opened her recruiting after deciding not to go to USC she was being taken on a tour of the athletic offices. Fitz took her into his office and spoke to her for some 20 minutes. That night she called her Dad and told him that she would have good news and bad news for Coach Joe. She wanted to go to NU, but she wanted to play for Fitz!
I'm pretty sure that not a lot of Big Ten football coaches get involved in recruiting of women's basketball players. The same is also probably true of their University presidents. Vive le difference.
I'm pretty sure that not a lot of Big Ten football coaches get involved in recruiting of women's basketball players. The same is also probably true of their University presidents. Vive le difference.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
improves dramatically on his FTs - likely not going to be better
(overall) than Swop - just on the basis that JVZ would likely not be
playing at crunch time due to his poor FT shooting.
JVZ will likely split time at the 4 and 5 and while he may very well start, he probably won't be finishing too many games.
Speaking of Swop - both these guys aren't dummies and took into careful considering the outlook for the team and the prospects for playing time (along w/ how well the relationships with the coaching staff and teammates).
Both had options, so in picking the 'Cats, both thought the team had talent and had the chance to make it to the NCAAs.
Unfortunately for Swop, both he and the team were hit w/ injuries.
This post was edited on 3/11 4:19 PM by Katatonic
Unless JVZ develops an outside shot (or even a mid-range shot) and
improves dramatically on his FTs - likely not going to be better
(overall) than Swop - just on the basis that JVZ would likely not be
playing at crunch time due to his poor FT shooting.
JVZ will likely split time at the 4 and 5 and while he may very well start, he probably won't be finishing too many games.
Speaking of Swop - both these guys aren't dummies and took into careful considering the outlook for the team and the prospects for playing time (along w/ how well the relationships with the coaching staff and teammates).
Both had options, so in picking the 'Cats, both thought the team had talent and had the chance to make it to the NCAAs.
Unfortunately for Swop, both he and the team were hit w/ injuries.
This post was edited on 3/11 4:19 PM by Katatonic
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
JVZ is much, much larger than Swop. So should be more effective against larger player when playing D.
I've watched a lot of tape and it looks like 90% of his offensive game is dunks. Before college saw nice form from distance. But nothing like that at VT.
James is the guru. Let's see how he can coach him up.
JVZ is much, much larger than Swop. So should be more effective against larger player when playing D.
I've watched a lot of tape and it looks like 90% of his offensive game is dunks. Before college saw nice form from distance. But nothing like that at VT.
James is the guru. Let's see how he can coach him up.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
its common across multiple sports at NU
its common across multiple sports at NU
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
I know people are excited about his size/athleticism and that he comes from an ACC program... But Virginia Tech is terrible. They finished 2-16 in the ACC with a 186 rating on kenpom. And it seems Van Zegeren was maybe 4th best guy on their team. If we got the 4th best guy from, say, Rutgers would we project him as a starter--especially over a top 100 recruit and experienced returning players?
As Medill90 posted, it is true that van Zegeren's game is mostly dunks. See the shot charts embedded at the bottom of the linked article. He literally does not score outside the paint. And he went 13-41 from the free throw line this season. That's a lot of missed opportunities to put points on the board--and, as others have suggested, he's someone you cannot afford to have on the floor (on offense) during crunch time simply due to his awful foul shooting.
I'm excited that we have another big man--and one with experience--as part of our depth for 2015-16. I'm sure he'll help us be a better team. However, I honestly expect Aaron Falzon to play more minutes as a freshman than van Zegeren will as a graduate senior. Falzon can handle the ball and score all over the floor. Falzon scored 45 points in a game a few weeks ago. He plays for one of the better post-graduate prep basketball programs in the country, is well coached and has played against tough competition. I see him as a better fit overall.
I'm pleased that van Zegeren has joined our program...but, based on some of the comments and predictions on the board, I think some fans might want to take a second look and temper expectations a bit. (And take another look at Falzon!)
This post was edited on 3/12 12:38 AM by backdoorpass
see shot chart
I don't want to rain on the parade, but I don't see van Zegeren as the mainstay that a lot of others expect him to be. I see him very much as a role player on next year's squad.
I know people are excited about his size/athleticism and that he comes from an ACC program... But Virginia Tech is terrible. They finished 2-16 in the ACC with a 186 rating on kenpom. And it seems Van Zegeren was maybe 4th best guy on their team. If we got the 4th best guy from, say, Rutgers would we project him as a starter--especially over a top 100 recruit and experienced returning players?
As Medill90 posted, it is true that van Zegeren's game is mostly dunks. See the shot charts embedded at the bottom of the linked article. He literally does not score outside the paint. And he went 13-41 from the free throw line this season. That's a lot of missed opportunities to put points on the board--and, as others have suggested, he's someone you cannot afford to have on the floor (on offense) during crunch time simply due to his awful foul shooting.
I'm excited that we have another big man--and one with experience--as part of our depth for 2015-16. I'm sure he'll help us be a better team. However, I honestly expect Aaron Falzon to play more minutes as a freshman than van Zegeren will as a graduate senior. Falzon can handle the ball and score all over the floor. Falzon scored 45 points in a game a few weeks ago. He plays for one of the better post-graduate prep basketball programs in the country, is well coached and has played against tough competition. I see him as a better fit overall.
I'm pleased that van Zegeren has joined our program...but, based on some of the comments and predictions on the board, I think some fans might want to take a second look and temper expectations a bit. (And take another look at Falzon!)
This post was edited on 3/12 12:38 AM by backdoorpass
see shot chart
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
I don't know how this will all play out. I personally think that Skelly is being undervalued. He makes things happen when he is on the court. He's got more steals than McIntosh in about 1/5 the minutes. He averages a block about every 12 minutes he's played. He also has decent form on his shot and is a good passer.
In any event, it's pretty cool to be arguing about playing time. It speaks to our depth. I am not sure if we have any great players on the roster (which we will need to get to the tournament) but it appears that we have a bunch of pretty good ones.
I don't know how this will all play out. I personally think that Skelly is being undervalued. He makes things happen when he is on the court. He's got more steals than McIntosh in about 1/5 the minutes. He averages a block about every 12 minutes he's played. He also has decent form on his shot and is a good passer.
In any event, it's pretty cool to be arguing about playing time. It speaks to our depth. I am not sure if we have any great players on the roster (which we will need to get to the tournament) but it appears that we have a bunch of pretty good ones.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
I've been impressed with his ability to make some really nice passes . . not bad for a big guy!
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Your post makes a LOT of sense...I have been thinking the same...vZ CAN help the team, but more in the vein of recent "bigs" we have had...helpful ROLE players...nowhere near Swop's level most games....most games his team contribution will likely be reminiscent of that of recent TCU transfer Nikola...glad you saved me from doing the raining-on-parade thing...I've done it enough times already.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
You mean the prez meeting visiting recruits, or just the AD? If you mean the prez, why would it be that it is rarely mentioned, in reports about recruits visits or interviews of them?.....can't think of another instance right now...do they make such a small impression on the visitors?
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Correct, IMO. High school athletes have little real appreciation for the importance and prestige of a college president, so meeting them has little impact on them. They're just another adult that works at the school. At least that's how I felt, but then I'm a moron..
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
My guess if that if these meetings were indeed common we would hear more mentions of them in recruits interviews and reports on their campus visits.
Perhaps, but that immediately raises the issue of whether the prez by participating isn't wasting very valuable time that could instead be used is other ways to better the university as a whole, and even the athletic programs in particular. If they are done frequently it should be that there are good reasons to believe that they do make a significant difference.
My guess if that if these meetings were indeed common we would hear more mentions of them in recruits interviews and reports on their campus visits.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
JVZ also has nothing close to the mid-outside game that Swop has, which is also the reason why he won't have the 4-spot locked up (even if he starts) like Swop did.
Yes - JVZ is much larger than Swop which is why he will see some time at the 5.
JVZ also has nothing close to the mid-outside game that Swop has, which is also the reason why he won't have the 4-spot locked up (even if he starts) like Swop did.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Fair. There is a good chance, JvZ will not surpass Swop's production at NU. Swop was solid. But, I do think his skillset is a better fit/match for our current deficiencies.
JvZ does not need to produce a ton on offense outside of offensive boards and putbacks (and hard screens) to be more effective and valuable for us than Swop was. He scored 18 and 10 against PSU in probably his best game, so he is capable of decent nights in the offensive column.
Back to the original point - I think JvZ's value and contribution will be much more akin to Swopshire (their proven track records are more similar), than players like Bernard Cote and Michael Thompson, who couldn't get any time at their previous schools.
Fair. There is a good chance, JvZ will not surpass Swop's production at NU. Swop was solid. But, I do think his skillset is a better fit/match for our current deficiencies.
JvZ does not need to produce a ton on offense outside of offensive boards and putbacks (and hard screens) to be more effective and valuable for us than Swop was. He scored 18 and 10 against PSU in probably his best game, so he is capable of decent nights in the offensive column.
Back to the original point - I think JvZ's value and contribution will be much more akin to Swopshire (their proven track records are more similar), than players like Bernard Cote and Michael Thompson, who couldn't get any time at their previous schools.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Good to hear, "Condi" deserves some abuse. My preference would be Gitmo, but forcing her to pretend to care about some 17 year-old athletes on recruiting visits is a start.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
What a wonderful human being you are.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Yes, one of the architects of warmongering whose useful idiocy was integral to the nedless deaths of tens of thousands of human beings receives your sympathy, while I receive your scorn for sarcastically wishing she might receive 1/1,000,000th of the suffering she wrought on all those innocent human beings. Your moral compass needs a bit of recalibration, child.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
It is relatively common - particularly for basketball and football, though I know a few recent lacrosse recruits also got the treatment. They do make an impression on the kids (though they don't really get it, they know there is something special about getting to meet Morty). I see it mentioned from time-to-time, but more on the football side than basketball.
It is relatively common - particularly for basketball and football, though I know a few recent lacrosse recruits also got the treatment. They do make an impression on the kids (though they don't really get it, they know there is something special about getting to meet Morty). I see it mentioned from time-to-time, but more on the football side than basketball.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
(a) how they choose who gets to meet the prez (without raising "equality" issues (gender, race, etc))
and
(b) whether it may backfire as those who don't get this treatment feel slighted or less wanted.
For example, consider a situation in which NU is recruiting 3 QB's...A (the highest rated, a longshot), B (strong candidate, in line with the better recruit NU actually gets, who is quite interested in NU), and C (a weaker candidate, with no other major conference offer).
Let's say only A gets to meet the prez....but ends up going elsewhere. B who was very interested in NU eventually cools off as he learns that he was not offered the "presidential treatment" and also goes elsewhere, leaving C who does take
the NU offer, since he didn't have any other comparable offer.
In this fictitious example the presidential meeting ended up weakening the recruiting class (C instead of B) which is the exact opposite of what is desired...that is, it backfired.
The situation described by the example may or may not have (ever) happened, and if it has, it may or may not happen frequently. But it should be a concern.
I wonder
(a) how they choose who gets to meet the prez (without raising "equality" issues (gender, race, etc))
and
(b) whether it may backfire as those who don't get this treatment feel slighted or less wanted.
For example, consider a situation in which NU is recruiting 3 QB's...A (the highest rated, a longshot), B (strong candidate, in line with the better recruit NU actually gets, who is quite interested in NU), and C (a weaker candidate, with no other major conference offer).
Let's say only A gets to meet the prez....but ends up going elsewhere. B who was very interested in NU eventually cools off as he learns that he was not offered the "presidential treatment" and also goes elsewhere, leaving C who does take
the NU offer, since he didn't have any other comparable offer.
In this fictitious example the presidential meeting ended up weakening the recruiting class (C instead of B) which is the exact opposite of what is desired...that is, it backfired.
The situation described by the example may or may not have (ever) happened, and if it has, it may or may not happen frequently. But it should be a concern.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
Its rarely a situation where Morty "absolutely has to" meet a recruit (as far as I know) - its more of when his schedule allows and he has time. He travels a ton and doesn't get to be in Evanston that often - but the moments when he has a bit of time, he'll make time to meet recruits. Doesn't matter what sport - just whomever is lucky that day.
He may try to stick around (as NU's #1 sports fan) on big weekend visits, etc, but that is conjecture on my part.
Re: the second question - I would say no, but more because of the type of athlete that NU recruits. This isn't Bama, with 5-stars and 5-star egos all around - most kids are under-recruited and appreciate the opportunity, much more than being jealous of not getting the opportunity.
Its rarely a situation where Morty "absolutely has to" meet a recruit (as far as I know) - its more of when his schedule allows and he has time. He travels a ton and doesn't get to be in Evanston that often - but the moments when he has a bit of time, he'll make time to meet recruits. Doesn't matter what sport - just whomever is lucky that day.
He may try to stick around (as NU's #1 sports fan) on big weekend visits, etc, but that is conjecture on my part.
Re: the second question - I would say no, but more because of the type of athlete that NU recruits. This isn't Bama, with 5-stars and 5-star egos all around - most kids are under-recruited and appreciate the opportunity, much more than being jealous of not getting the opportunity.
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
The most impressive person I met on a recruiting trip were Mike Webster (working out) and Lowell Weicker (on the plane into Charlottesville).
Trust me, they are very common. You probably don't hear about them much because they don't make that great an imprint on a recruit. Maybe they do with parents. My parents never went on recruiting trips with me.
The most impressive person I met on a recruiting trip were Mike Webster (working out) and Lowell Weicker (on the plane into Charlottesville).
Re: the prez (and JP) got personally involved? precedents?
And again, while I think JVZ will have games where he goes off (when the match-ups are favorable), I wouldn't peg so much on one game.
After all, Curletti had a couple of career type games against MSU such as 17 and 6 in 2011 (which was a much better team than PSU, and always has physical front court players).
Well, while I agree that JVZ fills a need, so did Swop (badly needed a PF after Shurna left).
And again, while I think JVZ will have games where he goes off (when the match-ups are favorable), I wouldn't peg so much on one game.
After all, Curletti had a couple of career type games against MSU such as 17 and 6 in 2011 (which was a much better team than PSU, and always has physical front court players).
