Cooley

Fast forward to October 2007 and we have some fans who are satisfied with our current talent (starters) despite our solid Bottom 10 ranking. Before our new coaching staff gets too comfortable, let's impress upon them that offering scholarships to back-up high school kids (in August) is not going to get us where we need to be.

October 19, 2007 TexasHoops.com Recruiting Staff As the November early signing period nears, a number of rising seniors across the state will be taking official visits in an effort to finalize their college decisions. Xavier Roberson hasn't completely decided if he'll ink next month yet, but the strong 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard from Lufkin High School has started making trips to see if he will or not. McNeese State was Roberson's first visit on the schedule last weekend and now he's contemplating more trips in the upcoming weeks. While the other trips have yet to be finalized, one thing's for sure - McNeese State set a standard. "The visit went pretty good for me - I liked it there," Roberson said. "The players are cool and so are the coaches. They had an intense practice while I was there and I liked the campus a lot." Roberson enjoyed himself during his trip, but hasn't yet committed. He wants to possibly take some more visits to some of the other schools currently recruiting him as well. "North Texas is (recruiting me) and there are a couple more colleges like Louisiana Tech and Oral Roberts," Roberson said. "But I'm pretty high on McNeese State." Roberson's next scheduled trip is supposed to be to Albany, but he's not sure if that visit will still happen at this time. So, he's hoping to possibly make a trip to North Texas at the very least before making any decisions - moves that will certainly be discussed with those close to him before they occur. "I want to wait and see what's best for me," Roberson said. "I'll talk it over with my family and do whatever the best fit for me is." Texas Hoops Analysis: XAVIER is a strong built guard who can play a physical game at the guard position. He has good speed in the open court, can break down the defense off the dribble and has the physical strength to stay on course to the bucket with contact. He finishes strong in traffic, has a smooth stroke and can shoot it very well with 3 point range. He is a good distributor, sees up the floor and is a solid defender. He is very athletic and continues to slide along under the radar in far east Texas.

October 18th Plano coach Tom Inman has indicated that former Plano star Joseph Fulce, currently at Tyler Junior College, has verbally committed to Marquette. Fulce had signed with Texas A&M originally in '06 and last spring with New Orleans. Both times he was recruited by current Marquette assistant Buzz Williams.

http://tabchoops.org/finalB.html

October 17th- 6-3 Dallas Pinkston SG Demarius Jones will officially visit South Alabama this weekend. The three main schools in the mix for the top 25 senior are South Alabama, North Texas, and Florida Atlantic.

October 16, 2007 Two taking visits from Angelina Bret Swanson JucoJunction.com Staff Analyst JucoJunction had a chance to see Angelina College play this past weekend in Dallas, TX at the Mitchell-Mullen Jamboree. Head coach Todd Neighbors has just four sophomores this season for the Roadrunners. Dee Proby: (SO) 6-foot-9 (260) from Round Rock, TX. Proby will take an official visit to Oklahoma State this coming weekend October 19. Dee has already visited Nebraska and West Virginia. "Dee played well today and can really step out and hit the three-pointer for his size. Oklahoma State assistant coach James Dickey was there watching Dee all weekend," said Swanson. Proby averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.3 rebounds last season. Horace Dixon: (SO) 6-foot-8 (215) from Mauldin, SC. Dixon transferred into Angelina College last January from St. Louis University. Horace took an official visit to North Texas University right after the jamboree in Dallas this past weekend. He has also received interest from Wright State, St. Bonaventure and Lamar University.

The kid didn't start against DeSoto last week. Played on special teams though.

FYI North Crowley will get a huge lift and could possibly be the #1 team in Class 5A in Texas with the news that 6-4 shooting guard Willie Warren will return to the DFW school. Warren stated yesterday that "Oak Hill wasn't for me, I was very homesick. I'm not back in Texas yet, but I am coming back to North Crowley." North Crowley coach Tommy Brakel said he had been in email contact with Warren, but hadn't spoken to him or his mother. As of now, Warren's visit to Oklahoma this weekend is on, and one would expect him to be at North Crowley Monday. Warren becomes the new #1 recruit in Texas pushing Bobo Morgan of SOC down to #2.

Looks like the Dallas Mavericks got every body confused with their closed practices last year!

Excellent thought Adler! I can really see him at WR!

Saw Lewisville play SOC last Saturday at Lewisville HS. This kid is the perfect definition of Tweener! I'f he was 2-3 inches taller, he would be a major recruit. Serious Hops!!! Although I would pass on him, I would seriously recruit Lewisville's point guard William Weathers (6-1) October 10, 2007 Superman? Blue Zertuche TexasHoops.com Recruiting Analyst 6'3" 190 pound interior player, Austin Brown from Lewisville High, has dazzled crowds and recruiters from Division II, III, and Junior colleges with his acrobatic dunks. Brown's energy, size, and quickness are what make him unique and able to battle with the big boys inside the paint. Brown has interest from all levels that have been fortunate to watch him play during the September GASO high school showcases, but are Division I programs missing out? Brown is focused on building on last year's 32-4 record. Brown is mid major plus athlete, and may even be the best pure athlete in the 2008 class.-But one knock on Brown may be his skill level hasn't caught up to his athleticism, yet. "He is working hard on developing his outside shot," said head coach Henry Thomas. "(Austin) knows that he needs to hit that 8-12 foot shot to be successful in college. He will get better, but he brings so many other things to the table." Coach Thomas continues to explain Brown's attributes. "He is a leader top notch leader, and he brings a great work ethic. He makes everyone around him better. He can do so many things well like rebound and play against a bigger defender and then beat the defense down the court." Recruitment has picked up for Brown over the past month with many colleges starting to make contact. "The D-II schools love him. Teams like Drury, Dallas Baptist (DBU), Southwestern Oklahoma, St. Edwards, and a handful of Junior colleges are starting to pick up the pace on him. Besides his athletic ability on the court, he is a great student. He really works hard in the classroom. You don't have to worry about him off the court, because he comes from a great family and he makes the right decisions." "It is happening, and I am very excited because coaches weren't coming out to watch any of us workout last year," said Austin Brown about his recruitment. Sam Houston State and North Texas has shown some interest. Texas A&M Commerce has offered and wants to get me out there on a visit." Brown says that he says he will wait till the end of the season and is paying attention to detail when it comes to schools recruiting him. "I am aware of what players are on whose team. I look to see how many players at each position they have and I think how I would fit in." During the summer, Brown had a chance to take an unofficial visit. "I went out to West Point in New York. It was a beautiful campus." When it comes to ability on the court, Brown wants to be challenged, and he will fly over who ever steps in his way. "I like to know who I am playing against," adds Brown. "If they are ranked higher than me, I will go after them and attack. I love it when other teams think that I am not big enough to match up against bigger players because that motivates me. And when I get in the open court, I want to get to the basket and if someone is in my way I will take then for a ride." Texas Hoops Analysis:Austin is a big-time athlete who excels in the open court where he can use his leaping ability and active body. He flies to the boards for rebounds, can go straight up and rebound at the rim, is a good shot blocker and a strong and physical defender. He loves to finish on the break, is a powerful dunker, gets a lot of put backs on the offensive glass and is quick to the hole. He is undersized right now for his offensive skill set but with improved ball skills and a mid-range game, he could rise to a mid-major prospect.

Riley Dodge is not the mid-major QB that I hope we will eventually land but he is better than what I have seen from Meager and Vizza. I know the kid is a freshman and a backup role is not bad. This is not Vizza bashing! It is also not the love fest over Vizza, that I continue to read either. The kid had a very bad game the other night yet I read where he had a great game. He may turn out to be ok but we should never be content with the same personnel that is clearly at the bottom of D1 football. I'm sorry if I disagree with many of you and am not on the Vizza bandwagon. I've seen Riley Dodge enough (since his soph year) to know that he is more accurate, (deep and short) More importantly, the kid has the pocket presence that you want in a passing offense. His 4.5 speed will be a welcome addition to the offense; until the linemen can get more experience. Lastly, there is no one who knows this system better. Why shouldn't he be the #1 signal caller. Todd Dodge's decision to start Vizza is more about what Meager hasn't done than what Vizza has. Spencer Stack was 5A MVP at QB and never made it on the playing field here at UNT. For the guys that truly follow HS sports will know that the MVP will always come from the State Championship team; not necessary the best player or prospect. William Cole of Cedar Hill was the best kid in the state last year but didn't have the name recognizion coming out of Cedar Hill versus a Southlake Carroll. Some of you guys get so hung up on stats, ratings and 2-3 highlights from Rivals.com. During HS signing days, the coaches always talk up each recruit. For the record, I discuss basketball more on this board because other don't. I've followed HS and college football more than most on this board. HS football recruiting has been a passion (and hobby) of mine forever. I attend HS football games weekly all over the metroplex. I don't evaluate a kid on what I read or what their stats are. I generally hit on most kids most of the time. I have absolutely no ties to the Dodge family, Carroll HS or Southlake, TX. I want UNT to get it's ass from the bottom of D1 football and move toward top 75 in the next 3-4 years. Riley Dodge is the much better QB to get us in that direction. I don't have a problem at all with you guys disagreeing with me. I don't agree with a great amount of stuff I read on here as well. Unlike UNTLifer though, I never try to tell people where to post, when to post and how to post. I can understand if the criticism was coming from a student and/or the board administrators. (Even though I may cross that politically correct line). I don't mean to imply that the condescending comments are totally directed toward me but I'm equally offended when he continues to lay back and blast many others. Go Mean Green!

Talley is a very good player! Although very quick, he's really a 2 playing the point. The kid can flat out shoot it. I can see where JJ may have shown some interest, but another 5-9 guard is really not a need at this time. What has really raised his stock is the number of quality players around him. 6-7 D'Waylan Roberts was their best player last year and signed with Texas Tech. 6-6 Roger Franklin is a top junior along with 6-7 Shawn Williams. Both will receive mid to high-major ships next year. Lastly, 6-5 senior SF Kevin Butler has already commited to TCU. Duncanville picked up 6-8 Will Brown from Woodrow Wilson late last year but he transferred to an out of state prep school this summer. As we all know, Duncanville blew out Kingwood by 20 points in the state 5-A championship game and will probably begin the season ranked #1

October 8, 2007 Texas Jamboree kicks High School Basketball off strong! Justin Young Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting The high school basketball season is right around the corner and one of the best basketball cities in the nation is ready to tip the year off right. The fifth annual Texas High School Jamboree will be held in Houston on November 23-24 at Strake Jesuit High School. Greg Monroe, the nation's No. 1 player, leads the charge for the Texas Jamboree. The event has quickly become a great preview and stage for the top prospects in the Lone Star State. In the first year of existence, Daniel Gibson helped his Jones High School team to a one-point win over Glen "Big Baby" Davis's squad from Louisiana. A year later, Gerald Green, a former Rivals.com No. 1 overall player in the nation, highlighted the field and solidified himself as a NBA first round draft pick. Texas teammates Damion James and D.J. Augustin both played in the Jamboree before wearing the same jersey in Austin. Current Florida freshman Jai Lucas and Texas A&M freshman B.J Holmes traded shots last season while J'Covan Brown put on a show at the event. This year's event is keeping step with the young and talented history of the showcase. The Texas Jamboree boasts the nation's top prospect, Greg Monroe, and his Helen Cox (La.) High School teammates in this year's field of teams. Helen Cox will take on St. Pius High School, featuring Rbk U standout forward Dwight Miller on the first night of action. The second night of games, Monroe and Helen Cox take on Houston Yates, which features four-star Baylor commitment Anthony Jones. Brown, also a four-star prospect, will be back again with his Port Arthur Memorial. Also in attendance will be mid-major guard Demarius "Shug" Jones of Dallas Pinkston and Nevada commitment London Giles of Dallas Kimball. The class of 2009 is well represented with Stevie Rogers, Tim Frazier and Joey Brooks from Strake Jesuit, Jamal Fenton of Houston Chavez, Augustine Rubit of Houston Smiley and others. Class of 2010 studs LB Nash of Dallas Lincoln High School and Julian Washburn of Dallas Kimball, Brandon Peters of Houston Yates and others. Friday, Nov. 23, 2007 11:00 a.m. Spring Westfield vs. Austin LBJ 12:30 p.m. Houston Chavez vs. Houston Forest Brook 2:00 p.m. North Shore vs. Port Arthur Memorial 3:30 p.m. Dallas Pinkston vs. St. Thomas 5:00 p.m. Houston Bellaire vs. Dallas Lincoln 6:30 p.m. Alief Hasting vs. Dallas Kimball 8:00 p.m. Helen Cox (La.) vs. St. Pius X Sat., Nov. 24, 2007 9:30 a.m. Bryan vs. Houston Chavez 11:00 a.m. Austin LBJ vs. Houston Bellaire 12:30 p.m. St. Pius X vs. Dallas Pinkston 2:00 p.m. St. Thomas vs. Helen Cox (La.) 3:30 p.m. Dallas Lincoln vs. Houston Wheatley 5:00 p.m. Port Arthur Memorial vs. Houston Smiley 6:30 p.m. Strake Jesuit vs. Dallas Kimball 8:00 p.m. Houston Yates vs. Helen Cox (La.)

I guess we all need to get behind Vizza (by default) for the rest of the season. This is clearly Riley Dodge's team at year end. Though undersized, the kid is much better in every area than any QB we have had in years. Vizza's experience the rest of the way should prove valuable in a backup role for the future. When we are as bad as they come, (ranked last in D1) the coaches owe it to everyone to upgrade at every position, at every opportunity. Casey Fitzgerald is the only starter, in my opinion, that anyone seriously looking to upgrade this team can positively say should start next year? Does any of our other guys start for any mid-major program? How about 2nd string backup? Unless Dodge goes heavy JC (Which he won't) many will return as starters because our coach can't bring in the influx of better talent so quick. No disrespect intended to the posters or family members of the kids but this is bottom D1 (or D1-AA talent) that Darrell Dickey left us. (Were any of them highly ranked and/or who did we beat out for their services) We need playmakers like Troy, FAU and others have attracted lately to move up the rankings and close this huge gap. Kids don't improve that much year over year. Let's stop looking at the stats! Meager was a nationally leader with 600 all time yards against SMU. 3 weeks later, the kid is benched for the rest of the season. Mind you, UL Lafayette was winless with a banged up offensive line. There should be no guarantees for playing time next year. I'm convinced that the coaching staff will continue to play out the schedule but focus on evaluating younger kids. (unlike a Bill Parcells) You guys can pound on me as much as you like, but a nice overhaul in talent (at every position) is needed to make any kind of noise locally and/or nationally. Go Mean Green!

This would be a good full page article to run in the NT Daily for the rest of the week. Also, anyone still tailgating 15 minutes before kickoff should be arrested! (or thrown out of the university)

Gotta watch UNT football before basketball starts!

Positives: 1) Riley Dodge is clearly our starting quarterback after the last game of this season. Moreover, Todd Dodge does not have to worry about any criticism starting his kid. (I may be wrong but didn't Mitch Maher, Scott Davis, Andrew Smith, Scott Hall, Ken Washington and others start as true freshmen; with outstanding reviews? Well, at least as redshirt freshmen! 2) After hitting rock bottom, we can only go up in the polls. 3) Dodge has not committed his full allotment of scholarships to offensive players for 2007-2008 yet. 4) We have a number of seniors whose eligibility will be up 5) Basketball starts up in another month 6) Dodge should have a much easier time convincing recruits that they should see immediate playing time 7) Homecoming should help attendance 8) Maybe a major donor will step up (will maybe not financially but to help stop the bleeding) Negatives: 1) Folks don't have Dickey and Flanigan to kick around anymore 2) We still have about 5-6 more games to play 3) The game this week is televised

Guys, we don't have a legit D1 QB on this roster! Vizza was horrible most of the night. Let's just let Todd Dodge evaluate these guys for the rest of the year to help determine what type of depth he will have over the next 2-3 years. Hopefully, he will look long and hard at some impact Juco defensive players; if he can't recruit impact high school kids. This is the nations worse football team. Vizza does not make it better this year and definately not in the future.

Riley Dodge can't get here soon enough!

It's my understanding that grades have always been a problem with Fulce. He may have been placed at TJC since former UNO assistant coach and former Panola Head Coach Scott Monarch is an assistant @ TJC. Fulce didn't make his grades to enter A&M and Billy Gillespie overrecruited, like he always does, so even if Fulce had qualified Gillespie did not honor his scholarship. New coach Mark Turgeon had to tell Fulce and three others that they had no scholarship. Fulce went to Massanutten Military Academy and still didn't qualify. Joseph then went to UNO with A&M assistant Buzz Williams while technically still not cleared. As we all know, Buzz screwed the entire signing class by leaving so late to go to Marquette. Since Fulce was still not qualified, he had no choice but to go to JC; which is why he is at Tyler JC.

Dixon still a Deamon October 5, 2007 Blue Zertuche TexasHoops.com Recruiting Analyst 6'7" swingman, Cory Dixon from 3A Argyle, verbally committed to Northwestern State from the Southland Conference back in June. Dixon had broken his ankle in May and got back on the court in time for the July recruiting season. Since that time, he has a interest from a local university a few miles away from where he lives. He is very intrigued by the possibility of staying close to home to play his college basketball, but what will Dixon do? "I committed back in June to Northwestern," said Dixon. "I know people there, the coaches are great, and I felt comfortable. Everything was good." It's now a few months later and Dixon who has slipped threw some cracks in recruiting, is interested in the Eagles. "When I started the summer season, North Texas would come watch me play, but never talked to me. Now they have started talking to me since the beginning of the school year." Dixon has an official visit set for October 27, in Natchitoches, Louisiana to reevaluate his situation with the Demons. "I am still committed to them," states Dixon. "I just want to make sure everything goes well." No official visit has been set for North Texas, but they want him as soon as possible. "They want me to come visit unofficially. I already know the facilities and coaches. I am considering them because it would be great to play near home. I have four siblings and I am very close with my family." "But for now, I am still committed to Northwestern." Dixon has hopes of one day becoming a college basketball assistant. Texas Hoops Analysis:COREY is a long and strong built forward. He is a good athlete and runs the floor. He isn't afraid to mix it up and battle in the paint for loose balls and rebounds. He has a soft touch around the basket and can hit the mid-range jumper.

I've never caught an Argyle game so will someone please tell me that this kid is a player! UNT was scheduled to visit with a Texas State commitment today (Trey Nichols) and are now after a Northwestern State Commit. Why? Dixon still a Deamon October 5, 2007 Blue Zertuche TexasHoops.com Recruiting Analyst 6'7" swingman, Cory Dixon from 3A Argyle, verbally committed to Northwestern State from the Southland Conference back in June. Dixon had broken his ankle in May and got back on the court in time for the July recruiting season. Since that time, he has a interest from a local university a few miles away from where he lives. He is very intrigued by the possibility of staying close to home to play his college basketball, but what will Dixon do? "I committed back in June to Northwestern," said Dixon. "I know people there, the coaches are great, and I felt comfortable. Everything was good." It's now a few months later and Dixon who has slipped threw some cracks in recruiting, is interested in the Eagles. "When I started the summer season, North Texas would come watch me play, but never talked to me. Now they have started talking to me since the beginning of the school ye

I will! I was seated for the Pinkston/God's Academy game. Saw what looked like an NT alum standing to my left looking at notes.

Boise State is visiting Killeen HS today while UNT is slated to visit Nichols tomorrow. Both will also be there to evaluate his 6-5, 185 SF teammate Greg Brown. Texas Hoops Ranking 37. Tre Nichols 5'11"-155 1 Killeen: TRE is a very quick and fast point guard who loves to push the ball in the open court. He sees up the floor very well, makes good decisions on the break and gets it to players where they can score. He can break down the defense at anytime, has a soft touch in the paint, can find teammates in traffic and can pull-up for the 15-17 footer. He plays the game at full speed and loves to use his hands and feet on the defensive end. He has verbally committed to TEXAS STATE.