Gillispie Recruiting Hs Sophomores?

[NT80]

McKinney sophomore commits to Kentucky

06:13 PM CDT on Tuesday, April 10, 2007

By DAMON L. SAYLES / The Dallas Morning News

dsayles@dallasnews.com

McKinney basketball standout G.J. Vilarino, only a sophomore, has orally committed to play for Kentucky and new head coach Billy Gillispie.

Vilarino, a 6-0 point guard, averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds last season. He chose Kentucky over Florida, Baylor, Purdue, Kansas and Illinois. Oral commitments are nonbinding, and Vilarino will not be able to sign a national letter of intent until the fall of 2008.

Vilarino said Gillispie, the former Texas A&M coach, was a big factor in his decision.

"He followed me when he was at A&M, and he's always shown interest in me," Vilarino said. "When he went to Kentucky, that just made it even better. Kentucky is one of the top programs in the nation."

[greenminer]

I wouldn't single out Gillespie in this. Florida, Baylor, etc, could have been recruiting him too.

[GreenBat]

Has BCG even offered him? You can commit to anyone, but that means nothing if the do't offer. There was a kid at Arlington St. Alban's who committed to NT, but he wasn't offered. He didn't walk on so his commitment meant nothing.

[NT80]

Has BCG even offered him? You can commit to anyone, but that means nothing if the do't offer. There was a kid at Arlington St. Alban's who committed to NT, but he wasn't offered. He didn't walk on so his commitment meant nothing.

So if there is no real commitment on the part of either the school (don't have to offer) or recruit (doesn't have to sign) why make such an announcement? Is it just to get the kid's name in the paper? Is there a limit to number of commitments a school can have per class? I just don't understand a college coach taking the time to seriously consider 15-year-olds that may be a bust by 18.

[GreenBat]

Is there a limit to number of commitments a school can have per class?

No, that's why the statement Oral commitments are nonbinding appears in every story on recruiting before a recruit actually signs. A school can offer and a recruit can commit, but it means nothing if the school doesn't send the paperwork (i.e. the debacle in football with the kid from Abilene Cooper). A kid can tell a reporter that he has committed to a certain school, but might not have an offer. Normally you won't see anything unless an offer has been made, but a kid might want to go somewhere so bad that he gives an Oral commitment to the school, but hasn't received an offer yet.

G.J. Vilarino is apparently a great prospect and doesn't want to go through the recruiting process anymore. Either that or BCG and Kentucky are sending envelopes with cash to McKinney for the next two years. (The last sentence is a joke)

Edited April 14, 2007 by GreenBat

[Cooley]

Don't forget the name Labryan "LB" Nash. The kid is 6-5 and has the entire package. Can play either 1-5 positions. Will be the next phenom to come out of the Dallas area. Saw the kid yesterday after hearing so much about him. The real deal!

Coaches are already after his services, for next year. No, not the colleges but high school coaches. L.B. is presently in the 8th grade at T. W. Browne Middle School in Dallas. Currently residing in the Kimball HS district. Playing AAU ball for the Dallas Mustangs (16U) Favorites for his services appear to be Cedar Hill, Kimball & maybe SOC.

Plays like Rashard Lewis of the Seattle Supersonics. (But maybe better at this stage) A sure fire NBA lottery pick in 2013! (Assuming he continues to work, grow & maintain a great attitude)

[Cooley]

Baylor scored big as 6-8 freshman forward Perry Jones of Dallas Woodrow Wilson verbally committed. Jones is a long, lanky forward with good ball skills, a soft touch, and the potential to be the next great Dallas big man. Jones is currently ranked as the #1 freshman in Texas. Baylor also received a verbal Sunday from Jones' freshman friend and AAU running mate Jamison Sterns of Waxahachie.

[flyeater]

So if there is no real commitment on the part of either the school (don't have to offer) or recruit (doesn't have to sign) why make such an announcement? Is it just to get the kid's name in the paper? Is there a limit to number of commitments a school can have per class? I just don't understand a college coach taking the time to seriously consider 15-year-olds that may be a bust by 18.

Sophomores can commit but can't be offered scholarships, as per NCAA rules. Not sure how this is enforced, but the rule prohibits "contact" by coaches until athletes have completed 10th grade. It's one aspect of recruiting that is poorly policed.