Sean Obi transferring from Duke

[FeralFelidae]

We couldn't get him from Rice; maybe we can get him from Duke?

He will be a graduate transfer and eligible immediately. He sat out this season due to injury and already sat a redshirt season; I wonder if he would have two years left with a medical hardship waiver?

 

[FeliSilvestris]

We couldn't get him from Rice; maybe we can get him from Duke? He will be a graduate transfer and eligible immediately. ?

It has been discussed in the grad transfer thread. He hasn't played much since his Fr year at Rice (where he did very well). Considering NU BkB's history with season-ending injuries, to offer him a scholie would be a big risk, to say the least (greater if for more than a year)...unclear how much BkB he will be able to play in the future.

 

[spartcat]

While some real beef and/or height seems like a need, of the 4's and 5's you have found this guy seems like the least likely to contribute. Keep 'em coming. There are some strong candidates floating around.

 

[EvanstonCat]

While some real beef and/or height seems like a need, of the 4's and 5's you have found this guy seems like the least likely to contribute. Keep 'em coming. There are some strong candidates floating around.

I don't know about that. Obi was dominant as a true freshman with Rice, which is why he projected himself at Duke. He's proven himself at the D1 level and Coach K thought enough of him to bring him on. He had to sit out one year, and then last year he got injured. Depending on the nature of the injury, I would take a shot at him. Evan Eschmeyer had deeper injury problems, and Vic Law came back from an injury. Sitting out a year from injury by itself is not that big of a deal.

 

[scru]

I'd be cool with Obi as insurance and competitive depth at the 5. He'd be familiar with the system. Clearly a big body with some skill and good rebounding instincts. I'd say that looks like a good fit, on paper.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

I don't know about that. Obi was dominant as a true freshman with Rice, which is why he projected himself at Duke. He's proven himself at the D1 level and Coach K thought enough of him to bring him on. He had to sit out one year, and then last year he got injured.

Wrong. He had to sit out a year at DU (1st year at DU). Then he barely played for a year apparently partially b/c of injuries (that's year 2 at DU). Then he couldn't play at all b/c of injuries(that's year 3 at DU). There are currently dozens of potential grad transfers out there, including from major conferences, who were also highly regarded out of HS. Many have been discussed/profiled here. You may want to read about them. Most of those mentioned seem like a far less risky investment of a valuable scholarship.

I'd say Obi should probably go to a smaller conference team (Ivy may be ideal for him) which would take a chance on him b/c if he can play at all he'd be guaranteed to dominate. After a year proving that he is fully recovered, he could possibly try to get a sixth year for medical reasons.

Obviously, if the NU SS would just go unused because no one else would take it, then that's another story.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Wrong. He had to sit out a year at DU (1st year at DU). Then he barely played for a year apparently partially b/c of injuries (that's year 2 at DU). Then he couldn't play at all b/c of injuries(that's year 3 at DU). There are currently dozens of potential grad transfers out there, including from major conferences, who were also highly regarded out of HS. Many have been discussed/profiled here. You may want to read about them. Most of those mentioned seem like a far less risky investment of a valuable scholarship.

I'd say Obi should probably go to a smaller conference team (Ivy may be ideal for him) which would take a chance on him b/c if he can play at all he'd be guaranteed to dominate. After a year proving that he is fully recovered, he could possibly try to get a sixth year for medical reasons.

Obviously, if the NU SS would just go unused because no one else would take it, then that's another story.

OK, does seem like he was 3 years (including redshirt year) at Duke. Where you are wrong is that he isn't just someone who was highly regarded out of HS. He dominated as a freshman at Rice and led Conference USA in rebounding. That type of production, none of the players you have mentioned have demonstrated at the Division I level. None.

Not sure if his injuries make him damaged goods or what. Eschmeyer sat out more games due to injury before he exploded in his last two years. Maybe this kid can do the same. In any case, CCC can easily follow up with Coach K on what the deal is with the kid and whether he could help.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

OK, does seem like he was 3 years (including redshirt year) at Duke. Where you are wrong is that he isn't just someone who was highly regarded out of HS. He dominated as a freshman at Rice and led Conference USA in rebounding. That type of production, none of the players you have mentioned have demonstrated at the Division I level. None.

Not sure if his injuries make him damaged goods or what. Eschmeyer sat out more games due to injury before he exploded in his last two years. Maybe this kid can do the same. In any case, CCC can easily follow up with Coach K on what the deal is with the kid and whether he could help.

Plus Collins has already shown interest in Obi, having reached out upon his initial transfer from Duke. The Coach K connection might work for or against Obi, depending on the nature of his injur(ies) and how he comported himself during his time at Duke. I wonder if it would be possible to get a medical hardship determination before he settles on a transfer destination; the "two year grad transfer" is a market that the NU football team seems to have identified, maybe that can be applied in basketball.

It's also worth mentioning that Obi is a BIG DUDE who's physically different from anyone else we have on our team. Combine that with a demonstrated willingness to hit the boards and he could bring a physical element that we could use:

 

[mickbula]

OK. I'd love this fellow to play for us. But does anybody know what exactly the injuries were? Were they career threatening? A broken bone? Wasn't EE's injury a broken foot? I am sure CC knows what the extent of seriousness of his injuries were. Coach K wouldn't screw him. I am sure CC will be in the loop insofar as how serious Obi's injuries are/lingering. Obi would look great in purple. Of all the potential grad transfers that people on WR have come up with, Obi looks like one of the best. Although I'd welcome and love it, I just find it difficult to believe we are going to get Mark Smith this year. Obi could be a great alternative.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

OK. I'd love this fellow to play for us. But does anybody know what exactly the injuries were? Were they career threatening? A broken bone? Wasn't EE's injury a broken foot? I am sure CC knows what the extent of seriousness of his injuries were. Coach K wouldn't screw him. I am sure CC will be in the loop insofar as how serious Obi's injuries are/lingering. Obi would look great in purple. Of all the potential grad transfers that people on WR have come up with, Obi looks like one of the best. Although I'd welcome and love it, I just find it difficult to believe we are going to get Mark Smith this year. Obi could be a great alternative.

Knee.

 

[spartcat]

If we can't get Rooks or a longer range recruit, he might help. I hope he brings his light saber.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Of all the potential grad transfers that people on WR have come up with, Obi looks like one of the best.

You may be unaware of several. Obi represents a high injury risk. In a program like NU which at times seems like a season-ending injury magnet, an injury risk would almost certainly become a serious (likely season-ending) injury.
Furthermore, Obi's only significant college experience was in the very modest C-USA, several years ago.

Cal's Kameron Rooks (a 7-1 265 Center) would seem to be a far less risky and far more tested big.

Mich's 6-9 240 PF Mark Donnal would also seem far preferable (if he gets the needed release).

Taking a chance on Obi would seem justified only if several others aren't interested.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

You may be unaware of several. Obi represents a high injury risk. In a program like NU which at times seems like a season-ending injury magnet, an injury risk would almost certainly become a serious (likely season-ending) injury.
Furthermore, Obi's only significant college experience was in the very modest C-USA, several years ago.

Cal's Kameron Rooks (a 7-1 265 Center) would seem to be a far less risky and far more tested big.

Mich's 6-9 240 PF Mark Donnal would also seem far preferable (if he gets the needed release).

Taking a chance on Obi would seem justified only if several others aren't interested.

You sure do like to find an excuse to link to your own posts, don't you?

The biggest difference is that we know NU was previously interested in Obi, plus Collins' Coach K/Duke connection could be influential both in doing diligence on Obi's potential transfer (fit, health, etc.) and in terms of selling Obi on Northwestern.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

The biggest difference is that we know NU was previously interested in Obi, plus Collins' Coach K/Duke connection could be influential both in doing diligence on Obi's potential transfer (fit, health, etc.) and in terms of selling Obi on Northwestern.

We also know that Obi hasn't played competitively for several years, has had major injury problems (including season-ending ones), and only had significant college playing experience in the very modest C-USA, years ago as a frosh. Other than that, he seems like a perfect fit.

 

[mickbula]

You may be unaware of several. Obi represents a high injury risk. In a program like NU which at times seems like a season-ending injury magnet, an injury risk would almost certainly become a serious (likely season-ending) injury.
Furthermore, Obi's only significant college experience was in the very modest C-USA, several years ago.

Cal's Kameron Rooks (a 7-1 265 Center) would seem to be a far less risky and far more tested big.

Mich's 6-9 240 PF Mark Donnal would also seem far preferable (if he gets the needed release).

Taking a chance on Obi would seem justified only if several others aren't interested.

Feli,
I think Rooks or Donnal would be a great addition as well as Obi. You seem to make a good point with regards to potential injuries- it was sad that our VTech biggie/transfer a few years ago got hurt. Why are Rooks and Donnal transferring? Does anybody know? Just for a change in scenery and potentially more playing time with another team? Is Rooks at odds with the new Cal coach? Did they do something wrong like that guy at Virginia that everybody crucified me for suggesting as a potential transfer?

 

[EvanstonCat]

Feli,
I think Rooks or Donnal would be a great addition as well as Obi. You seem to make a good point with regards to potential injuries- it was sad that our VTech biggie/transfer a few years ago got hurt. Why are Rooks and Donnal transferring? Does anybody know? Just for a change in scenery and potentially more playing time with another team? Is Rooks at odds with the new Cal coach? Did they do something wrong like that guy at Virginia that everybody crucified me for suggesting as a potential transfer?

Donnal used to be a starter and was passed over. He is looking for a starting role I would think. Might have a chance for that with Lumpkin's departure.

Rooks was a role player for Cal. Think Skelly.

Obi has shown more than either player at the Div I level leading his team in scoring and his conference in rebounding as a true freshman, though Felis is correct about injury being a question mark (same holds with Rooks who hurt his knee this year). You could argue that Obi did what he did in lower competition, but there's no denying he was a dominant force that neither Rooks nor Donnal showed.

I think all 3 would be good gets. Obi, if healthy (FWIW, he was noted in a recent article saying he felt great physically, but with knees, you never know), would be an immediate starter at PF and immediately be our biggest and most physical player. Donnal possibly too. Rooks would be likely be our back up center, though he was projected to start at Cal next year (hard for me to see us moving Pardon to make room for Rooks though). All 3 (if healthy) would have helped us against Gonzaga and Purdue where we had a tough match up physically.

 

[FeliSilvestris]

Obi has shown more than either player at the Div I level leading his team in scoring and his conference in rebounding as a true freshman, though Felis is correct about injury being a question mark (same holds with Rooks who hurt his knee this year). You could argue that Obi did what he did in lower competition, but there's no denying he was a dominant force that neither Rooks nor Donnal showed.

If Rooks or Donnal had been facing CUSA-level competition they'd may have done even better than Obi. CUSA has REALLY degenerated over time. NINE schools now in the American (Big East minus religious schools) used to be CUSA members. But now it is a really weak conference. Just using Sagarin as a quick reference, CUSA is ranked #21 among D1 BkB conferences. That's just below the Horizon and the Ivy!! Compared to those, the MAC is a mini-power. Rice should really find a spot somewhere else...they deserve better as a top academic school.
That is really a problem for Obi, since he hasn't really played in any other collegiate league.

 

[willycat]

OK. I'd love this fellow to play for us. But does anybody know what exactly the injuries were? Were they career threatening? A broken bone? Wasn't EE's injury a broken foot? I am sure CC knows what the extent of seriousness of his injuries were. Coach K wouldn't screw him. I am sure CC will be in the loop insofar as how serious Obi's injuries are/lingering. Obi would look great in purple. Of all the potential grad transfers that people on WR have come up with, Obi looks like one of the best. Although I'd welcome and love it, I just find it difficult to believe we are going to get Mark Smith this year. Obi could be a great alternative.

NU still has two scholarships available, Hoping for Smith or maybe Carmody and also a big guy.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

NU still has two scholarships available, Hoping for Smith or maybe Carmody and also a big guy.

1) While I would love to be wrong, sure seems like the Mark Smith-to-NU ship has long since sailed.

2) Carmody is a 2018.

 

[scru]

 

[scru]

Hope he stays out of the B1G

 

[Bwm57]

"NU is an injury magnet."
There should be a post comprised of the best of these quotes.

 

[NJCat]

Hope he stays out of the B1G

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He decided to enroll at Maryland.