Recruiting

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 859

Xbo has told us that Tammy has maybe one guard lined up for the '06-'07 recruiting class. Any updates, X? I really believe Tammy's future lies with this class. How about no difference makers, we start over fresh with a new staff?

While we're still working on this year, our competition has moved on to next:

http://www.northjersey.com/page.p...2JmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MDk4MTcy

Jacki Mann, Rutherford, junior forward:

A 6-foot-2 center, Mann took her game to new heights this year, and took her team along with her as the Bulldogs finished the season 25-5, winning the BCSL-American league title and reaching the North 2, Group 2 sectional final where they lost to Hanover Park.

"She went from a classic back-to-basket post to being an inside-outside player," Rutherford coach Nick DeBari said. "She can really hurt you on the inside."

With most teams playing zone against Rutherford, Mann's development as an outside shooter created problems for opponents, as she drained 21 3-pointers and turned up her offensive output all over the floor, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds this season.

"It's hard to cover her, she's a huge presence offensively, she's got great footwork, because she can play back to the basket or on the perimeter," DeBari said.

On defense, Mann was just as effective, with 2 blocks a game and long arms that kept most teams shooting from the outside.

"For every shot she blocks she probably alters five more," DeBari said. "She blocks one and then the next time they change their shot."

Mann, who hit 1,000 points in February, is a first-time All-Area selection and first-team All Bergen County pick. She is getting looks from a variety of Patriot League teams, including Bucknell, LeHigh and Navy.

Jessica Knapp, Becton, junior forward:

A three-year starter for the Wildcats, Knapp took the role of leader for Becton this season and helped the Wildcats reach the semifinals of the North 2, Group 1 sectional, upsetting No. 2 seed Hoboken on the way.

"This was her year to take the team over," Becton coach Mike Ryan said. "She really improved more on the outside. Losing Karen (Lassoni, last year's star point guard) we really needed some help on the perimeter and she worked a lot on that."

With an inexperienced team surrounding her, Knapp stepped out of her role in the post and out to the perimeter, where she continued to dominate on offense.

Knapp averaged 19.2 points and 12 rebounds per game, and she rose to the occasion in the big games. Against Hoboken in the sectional quarterfinal, Knapp scored 24 points and pulled down 19 rebounds. Defensively, she added eight blocks and had six steals.

"She's very quick," Ryan said. "She anticipates very well and her quickness is deceiving because of her size, so with those long arms and anticipation she really does well on defense."

On the defensive end, Knapp had three steals per game and tortured teams around the area with her fast-break skills.

Knapp, who already has 1,260 career points, is a first-time All-Area selection and first-time first-team All-Bergen County selection. She is getting looks from a variety of MAAC and Patriot League teams, including Lehigh and Marist.

Xbo · Guest

I know they continue to have kids visit. The bigest problem I understand is that the academic requirements are a LOT tougher than before scholarships. (This is a problem on the men's side also). I've been told that other PL schools are taking kids with SATs under 1000 and our admissions will not even look at them.

I think they need to give the coaches a little more room. Afterall, if they bring in a player who only lasts a year, they are only hurting themselves as they could not replace that player with another scholarship player.

The basketball banquet is April 7, maybe we'll hear a little more then.

BTW, I thought Bucknell had their 3 recruits: Highham, Novachek, and Phillips.

Lafalum · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 843

I don't buy that the other schools are letting in those with under 1000 Sats. I hear that as an excuse!! First its a violation of the AI for all of the PL schools. These coaches just have to get with the program. Which means identifying recruits early and get the admissions office to peak their interest and sell. I don't want recruits with under 1000 when our average scores are close to 1300. It also may mean broadening our geographical reach.
If we can't get coaches who can recruit at that level.... then get someone else!! Its part of the job.

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 859

bison137 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 206

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 859

137,

The data is included (usually) in the respective school's NCAA Certification Self-Study report. Search any school's .edu site. I couldn't find one for HC or Fordham. Princeton has a report on-line minus the data which they keep confidential.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schoo...el/auto_pdf/Self-StudyReport2.pdf

http://offices.colgate.edu/stuact/PDFs/final%20report%206-1-06.pdf

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schoo...el/auto_pdf/Self_Study_Report.pdf

http://www.lehighsports.com/asset...0NCAA%20Self%20Study%20Report.pdf

Guest

I've seen Novachek play and I don't believe she'll be a post player. I don't think she's strong enough or has the body to be a post player. More than likely she will be a 4.

Andy, it appears that your statistics support my statement that some schools are taking players with SATs under 1000. I'd be willing to bet if a school has 3 recruits with an average SAT of 1057, that one of them is below 1000.

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 859

bison137 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 206

Andy · Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 859

First day of the "regular signing period" is Wednesday. I'm not holding my breath for an announcement from Tammy.

Any news from the banquet, X?