Hey all, as you know PSU landed Satchel Pierce and I wanted to giv you all some information I have gathered over the past 24-48 hours from various perspectives and kind of give you a timeline of why Chambers and staff went this path.
1) First, the recruting of a big man/transfer started a lot earlier than just a month ago, I could argue it started around August. The recruting grounds for bigs ended early. It was absolutely no secret that Chambers wanted to have a five man class, which could have been six if you counted Watkins sitting out this year, which no one knew at that point. Chambers wanted Dylan Painter, it was no secret to add him to the class of Carr, Stevens, Hampton, and Bostick. Once Painter opted for Villanova the scramble began, but I give credit for Chambers not panicking and getting a project, he was very patient in this process.
2) Mike Watkins: Once Watkins was ruled out it heightend the urgency for get the big. This is a huge reason why I don't mind getting Pierce. Once a player had academic issuies it is always a concern and you need a backup plan, it is reality. I am a fan of Watkins, but you need insurance if he can't play due to injury or academics. Moore also graduates. In the world of college athletics anything can happen...
3) Roster depth: Landing Pierce is not a four year commitment, it is really a two year commitment so it doesn't tie up the roster spot and still preserves options for the 2018 class, which is when we probably will have at least a 2-3 man class again. So, this is a low risk high reward move that doesn't effect our next significant recruting class. This move still gives Chambers versatility on and off the court, which is needed.
Scouting report: All things I hear is that Pierce is a good mid, hard worker, and wants to compete and be given a chance! No, he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain or Shaq. However, he is a hungry and motivated kid who wants to help the program. Knwoing that, while I have questions about his game, I am for it. He will help push Watkins in practice and give him a break during the game. 100% positive Pierce is fully aware Watkins is the starting center, so he is going to be expected to back him up and provide stablilty, which is all you need from your back up center. Can he give us a solid 10-12min, get a few baskets, rebounds, and defend? That answer is yes. He is a step up in my opinion from Dickerson and Moore. I think we got us a solid backup big, which we desperately needed.
He is raw offensivley, most of his points will be on dunks and put backs. A good motor and a good defender on and off the ball.
Where do we go from here:
I do not see anymore significant changes in the 2017 recruting. I wouldn't be shocked if we didn't sign anyone. Look to the 2018 class for our next significant recruting additions. This is all subject to change, but that's my read on the situation. Look for us to monitor some off guards.
Have an open mind when it comes to Pierce. I think he will be a contributer to an extent.
Go Lions
1) First, the recruting of a big man/transfer started a lot earlier than just a month ago, I could argue it started around August. The recruting grounds for bigs ended early. It was absolutely no secret that Chambers wanted to have a five man class, which could have been six if you counted Watkins sitting out this year, which no one knew at that point. Chambers wanted Dylan Painter, it was no secret to add him to the class of Carr, Stevens, Hampton, and Bostick. Once Painter opted for Villanova the scramble began, but I give credit for Chambers not panicking and getting a project, he was very patient in this process.
2) Mike Watkins: Once Watkins was ruled out it heightend the urgency for get the big. This is a huge reason why I don't mind getting Pierce. Once a player had academic issuies it is always a concern and you need a backup plan, it is reality. I am a fan of Watkins, but you need insurance if he can't play due to injury or academics. Moore also graduates. In the world of college athletics anything can happen...
3) Roster depth: Landing Pierce is not a four year commitment, it is really a two year commitment so it doesn't tie up the roster spot and still preserves options for the 2018 class, which is when we probably will have at least a 2-3 man class again. So, this is a low risk high reward move that doesn't effect our next significant recruting class. This move still gives Chambers versatility on and off the court, which is needed.
Scouting report: All things I hear is that Pierce is a good mid, hard worker, and wants to compete and be given a chance! No, he isn't the next Wilt Chamberlain or Shaq. However, he is a hungry and motivated kid who wants to help the program. Knwoing that, while I have questions about his game, I am for it. He will help push Watkins in practice and give him a break during the game. 100% positive Pierce is fully aware Watkins is the starting center, so he is going to be expected to back him up and provide stablilty, which is all you need from your back up center. Can he give us a solid 10-12min, get a few baskets, rebounds, and defend? That answer is yes. He is a step up in my opinion from Dickerson and Moore. I think we got us a solid backup big, which we desperately needed.
He is raw offensivley, most of his points will be on dunks and put backs. A good motor and a good defender on and off the ball.
Where do we go from here:
I do not see anymore significant changes in the 2017 recruting. I wouldn't be shocked if we didn't sign anyone. Look to the 2018 class for our next significant recruting additions. This is all subject to change, but that's my read on the situation. Look for us to monitor some off guards.
Have an open mind when it comes to Pierce. I think he will be a contributer to an extent.
Go Lions
