Breaking News -- Unt Hoops Team Lands 2007 Recruit

[BobFam]

From Vito's Blog:

August 17, 2007

North Texas has added Kedrick Hogans, a 6-7 power forward from New Orleans, to its 2007 recruiting class.

Hogans averaged 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds a game last seson when he was named all-state and the MVP of the Class 3A Top 28 Tournament in Louisiana.

UNT received his letter of intent this morning.

For more on Hogans, check back on the blog later today and be sure to pick up a copy of the Denton Record-Chronicle tomorrow. Tomorrow's content will also be on our Web site late tonight.

[CMJ]

Sounds like a great pickup.

[Green Means Go!]

A little more info about Kedrick from the official site:

http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle...;ATCLID=1153557

[Buford_Julep]

Jeff Duncan of Nola.com named his top Louisiana high school BB players on Oct 6, 2006. He put Josh White at #9 and Kedrick Hogans was one of 12 listed as honorable mention.

Paul Kasiecki covered the AAU Houston Kingwood Classic for Hoopville. Hogans was one of 86 players that Kasiecki deemed worthy of including in his notes.

"Kedrick Hogans (6'7" Sr. PF, New Orleans (LA) Edna Karr HS) Good complementary player works inside, as he has the frame and body to compete there. He scored inside and also hit from about foul line distance as well at the offensive end."

LSU fan site Tigerdroppings.com message board has an interesting thread about the LHSAA Top 28 Tournament (State Championship?) played last March. One poster wrote, "Supah, did you go last night. What was with that kid from Karr. #32. He looked like he was 32. He was ripped."

[chrisfisher]

Sounds like a great pick up!! I can't wait for the season to start!!

[chrisfisher]

From Vito's Blog:

August 17, 2007

North Texas has added Kedrick Hogans, a 6-7 power forward from New Orleans, to its 2007 recruiting class.

Hogans averaged 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds a game last seson when he was named all-state and the MVP of the Class 3A Top 28 Tournament in Louisiana.

UNT received his letter of intent this morning.

For more on Hogans, check back on the blog later today and be sure to pick up a copy of the Denton Record-Chronicle tomorrow. Tomorrow's content will also be on our Web site late tonight.

Can Kendrick (weird huh?) play for the 2007 season? I believe he can.

[Cooley]

Gee guys, I hate to be such a hard a**, but 6-7, 195, Power Forward? Range to the foul line?

Complimentary player on his HS 3A team? “He will do a great job of providing us depth at the forward spot.

I was hoping that JJ wouldn't just sign someone just to complete his roster.

Why was he still on the board? (less than 2 weeks before school)

Is he quality depth for a Top 60 program? Sounds like a clone of Harold Stewart!

Anyway, Go Mean Green!

[MCMLXXX]

Another past article.

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/....xml&coll=1

[Censored by Laurie]

Gee guys, I hate to be such a hard a**, but 6-7, 195, Power Forward? Range to the foul line?

Complimentary player on his HS 3A team? “He will do a great job of providing us depth at the forward spot.

I was hoping that JJ wouldn't just sign someone just to complete his roster.

Why was he still on the board? (less than 2 weeks before school)

Is he quality depth for a Top 60 program? Sounds like a clone of Harold Stewart!

Anyway, Go Mean Green!

My thoughts exactly. This is a Sun Belt recruit...not a top 60 recruit. I think it puts ALOT of pressure on JJ to find a legit big man to play with George next season...a front court of Odufuwa, Howerton, Stewart and Hodges doesn't really excite me.

Maybe this kid will do what Stewart hasn't and...um...eat...but still you think he'd max out at about 220-225...and that makes him marginal power forward size. To me this feels like burning a scholarship to round out a roster...and I'm pensivly disappointed.

Hope I'm wrong.

[Buford_Julep]

From Vito's Blog:

August 17, 2007

For more on Hogans, check back on the blog later today and be sure to pick up a copy of the Denton Record-Chronicle tomorrow. Tomorrow's content will also be on our Web site late tonight.

There is a Hogans story in this morning's DRC, but it is not on the DRC website. Below are the highlights of the story.

Hogans had verbally committed to McNeese State. McNeese told Hogans that if he played in the big AAU tournament at Las Vegas, they wouldn't give him a scholarship. Hogans played at Las Vegas and McNeese pulled their scholarship offer.

Coach Jones said, "He was out there late and had great tournaments in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We were able to move in and get him. We were very fortunate to sign a player as good as Kedrick this late. We are a little short at the power forward spot. This will help a lot. We wanted to be deeper, but only if we could get quality guys. By signing Kedrick,we got what we needed."

[raygogreen]

My thoughts exactly. This is a Sun Belt recruit...not a top 60 recruit. I think it puts ALOT of pressure on JJ to find a legit big man to play with George next season...a front court of Odufuwa, Howerton, Stewart and Hodges doesn't really excite me.

Maybe this kid will do what Stewart hasn't and...um...eat...but still you think he'd max out at about 220-225...and that makes him marginal power forward size. To me this feels like burning a scholarship to round out a roster...and I'm pensivly disappointed.

Hope I'm wrong.

Unless he turns out like Dennis Rodman (6'8"-7 years in a row leading the NBA in rebounding, top defender, with no shot range) or like Kenny Williams from the Blakely era who led the nation in rebounding as a 6th man at 6'7". If thats the role player we are talking about, I'm ok.

I would rather have desire, timing, jumping ability, quick feet and instincts, which the shot blocking abilitiy talks to, than the additional 20-30 lbs or a few extra inches. Granted, he has to be strong at the lighter weight.

[GrandGreen]

Gee guys, I hate to be such a hard a**, but 6-7, 195, Power Forward? Range to the foul line?

Complimentary player on his HS 3A team? "He will do a great job of providing us depth at the forward spot.

I was hoping that JJ wouldn't just sign someone just to complete his roster.

Why was he still on the board? (less than 2 weeks before school)

Is he quality depth for a Top 60 program? Sounds like a clone of Harold Stewart!

Anyway, Go Mean Green!

I think the complimentary player comment refers to his play on the club team which include the two best players in La. He was definitely the go to guy on his high school team. I am always leery of taking small school players ala the Howe boys and frankly Hogans doesn't even have big numbers for that level. It appears though that he has recently elevated his play and is maybe more than the proverbially "sleeper" all second tier teams tout when they recruit a questionable prospect.

I have always disagreed with your assessment of Stewart. He has too more years to prove his value and was a huge part of NT's late season success last year. Unfortunately, NT under JJ and decades before is nowhere close to a perennial top 60 program. If you use that criteria to judge recruits than almost all of JJ 's signees would be sub-standard. Other than the bound backs who were that level in high school but obviously didn't initially succeed at that level and this years signee Thompson who would you consider a good sign for a top 60 program in JJ's NT career.

I agree that NT should strive for the highest level but frankly it is going to be an arduous process for a school who maybe averages 1500 at home and traveled 50 for the Belt tournament. I hope the program and JJ have turned the corner, but basically JJ has had two good seasons IMO, his first and last and fan support has been almost non-existent.

[Censored by Laurie]

Unless he turns out like Dennis Rodman (6'8"-7 years in a row leading the NBA in rebounding, top defender, with no shot range) or like Kenny Williams from the Blakely era who led the nation in rebounding as a 6th man at 6'7". If thats the role player we are talking about, I'm ok.

I would rather have desire, timing, jumping ability, quick feet and instincts, which the shot blocking abilitiy talks to, than the additional 20-30 lbs or a few extra inches. Granted, he has to be strong at the lighter weight.

Agreed...but for every Rodman and Walker there are 20 guys at 6'8" 200 filling the benches of the SBC averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rpg...and for the record its not the 6'7" or 6'8" thing I have the problem with...its the 195 lbs...even Rodman and Walker were at the least 220 in their playing days.

If anyone can come up with tape on this guy I would appreciate it...but my impression is that his role on the team is going to be as a body...and per a previous post...I think we could find a body in the form of a walk-on...either a football player or a pure walk-on. I don't like the idea of using a scholarship solely for depth...or if you do...aim bigger, and perhaps shorter term...I know Jackson and Muse didn't pan out, but I'm still a fan of the JUCO ranks for a banger...and one you don't have to commit 4 years of 2.2 and 1.8 to.

Again...I really hope my impression is wrong and this guy is the next Rashard Jennings-Jones rather than the next Jermaine Green

[NT03]

He seems like a decent pickup , but for a power forward ur right. What's even more interesting is that scout.com only list him as being 6'5 and 185 pds & ESPN has him at a 6'6 190. However ESPN does give him a pretty high grade of 73. Power forward ? Not exactly. Small forward , not bad.

Edited August 18, 2007 by NT03

[Cooley]

Kenneth Williams was our starting center during the Blakeley era. When has a 6th man ever lead the nation in rebounding? He was 1st team all-state, (in the highest classification) lead SOC to the state finals and had several D1 offers. Ken was also an impact player from day one. Dennis Rodman, (also from SOC) was 5-11 his senior year and never played high school ball. I've never heard of a similar story like his. Like Censored by Laurie stated, for every "Worm" Rodman, there are thousands of other kids that never make it.

No, this team is not a top 60 program; at this time. Top 60 is where I think we should strive to be in about 3 more years. Therefore, we need to recruit kids now that can contribute to a top 60 team. JJ has already had about 5 years to put his mark on this program. Why not? (Top 60) Hold the coaches accountable. RV will not hold the coaches accountable if the fans, students, alums and donors don't express their expectations. Let's never be content with a 5th place conference team with a watered down 23 wins. UNT can do better!

I agree 110% with Censored by Laurie on this signing! Why would you waste a 4-year scholarship (renewable each year) on a guy that you just need for depth purposes next year? Keep the scholarship available for other worthy prospects. If there is only a 5% chance you can still get a Rod Flemings back, you hold the ship. JJ can always walk over to the mens gym and ask a 6-7 kid, off an intramural team, to help the team out with practices. Good Lord, McNeese State, of all programs, used hard ball tactics to pull this kids scholarship.

[Cooley]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/ne...tory?id=2976322

[GrandGreen]

Kenneth Williams was our starting center during the Blakeley era. When has a 6th man ever lead the nation in rebounding? He was 1st team all-state, (in the highest classification) lead SOC to the state finals and had several D1 offers. Ken was also an impact player from day one. Dennis Rodman, (also from SOC) was 5-11 his senior year and never played high school ball. I've never heard of a similar story like his. Like Censored by Laurie stated, for every "Worm" Rodman, there are thousands of other kids that never make it.

No, this team is not a top 60 program; at this time. Top 60 is where I think we should strive to be in about 3 more years. Therefore, we need to recruit kids now that can contribute to a top 60 team. JJ has already had about 5 years to put his mark on this program. Why not? (Top 60) Hold the coaches accountable. RV will not hold the coaches accountable if the fans, students, alums and donors don't express their expectations. Let's never be content with a 5th place conference team with a watered down 23 wins. UNT can do better!

I agree 110% with Censored by Laurie on this signing! Why would you waste a 4-year scholarship (renewable each year) on a guy that you just need for depth purposes next year? Keep the scholarship available for other worthy prospects. If there is only a 5% chance you can still get a Rod Flemings back, you hold the ship. JJ can always walk over to the mens gym and ask a 6-7 kid, off an intramural team, to help the team out with practices. Good Lord, McNeese State, of all programs, used hard ball tactics to pull this kids scholarship.

Don't disagree about having a goal to be a perennial top tier program, but frankly It is not easy to recruit to that level being in at a school with virtually no support and in the Belt. We have not had a coach since Gene Robbins who could bring in the top level kids. Some may have been fooled by the Trilli bs but he really recruited one highly sought player that actually played, Chris Davis. His recruiting however, was the best in decades until it was painfully unveiled that he didn't have a clue about coaching a basketball team.

I think the jury is still out on JJ, and I think it was very foolish for RV to give him a five year extension based on one year. I do think that his recruiting has improved but frankly his first classes were very suspect. He has hit on a few transfers, but that IMO shows you how far NT has to go to be in the top 20% of programs. Most of these bound backs are at best average players at the highest tier and they transfer down to a Belt program and become "go to" players. To recruit to the level of a top 60, NT is going to have to start out recruiting power conference schools and it is a long, long way from doing that.

I hope JJ can turn this program around because at this point there are no other options. NT is not going to eat another contract and JJ is a class individual and will not force the Administration to make a change like a certain football coach. I do have high hopes based on the team's late last year play particularly against Memphis. Memphis came out and expected to coast but at least NT got their attention and made them up their game.

I would be very happy to see NT in your next three year time frame become a perennial Belt power and then worry about moving up the food chain. As far as wasting a ship on Hogans only time will tell, but it appears that JJ like most basketball coaches can find a way to remove players that they feel aren't up to team standards. Since the NCAA weakened the rule limiting the number of ships that could be given in basketball, its seems that turnover is rampant. As you know the scholarships are only for a year and although most teams generally give a recruit longer than that to contribute, they don't have to.

[NT03]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/ne...tory?id=2976322

[GreenBat]

NT03,

I was thinking the same thing.

[raygogreen]

Kenneth Williams was our starting center during the Blakeley era. When has a 6th man ever lead the nation in rebounding? He was 1st team all-state, (in the highest classification) lead SOC to the state finals and had several D1 offers. Ken was also an impact player from day one. Dennis Rodman, (also from SOC) was 5-11 his senior year and never played high school ball. I've never heard of a similar story like his. Like Censored by Laurie stated, for every "Worm" Rodman, there are thousands of other kids that never make it.

No, this team is not a top 60 program; at this time. Top 60 is where I think we should strive to be in about 3 more years. Therefore, we need to recruit kids now that can contribute to a top 60 team. JJ has already had about 5 years to put his mark on this program. Why not? (Top 60) Hold the coaches accountable. RV will not hold the coaches accountable if the fans, students, alums and donors don't express their expectations. Let's never be content with a 5th place conference team with a watered down 23 wins. UNT can do better!

I agree 110% with Censored by Laurie on this signing! Why would you waste a 4-year scholarship (renewable each year) on a guy that you just need for depth purposes next year? Keep the scholarship available for other worthy prospects. If there is only a 5% chance you can still get a Rod Flemings back, you hold the ship. JJ can always walk over to the mens gym and ask a 6-7 kid, off an intramural team, to help the team out with practices. Good Lord, McNeese State, of all programs, used hard ball tactics to pull this kids scholarship.

My mistake then, I thought Lurch was center and Mitchell and Bailey were forwards, with Bailey replaced by Lister when he graduacted, So much for my memory. So can I use 6'7" Kenny Lyons?

[GrandGreen]

Kidnapping the thread even more, I am still amazed at that 74-75 class that Robbins and Tubbs assembled that Blakeley inherented. In those days the all state teams consisted of 5 players not the ever expanding honorees common now. Melvin Davis and Fred Mitchell were both first team all state and Kenneth Williams was second team at the state highest classification. Can you imagine NT now getting three of the top 10 players in the state? Also in that class was first team Juco All American Terry Bailey and Joe Pride who was the leading juco rebounder in the nation. Carl Jones, one of the best shooting guards in NT history was a transfer who had red shirted the prior year but became eligible with this class.

Blakeley would have got even a better deal, if senior to be Bobby Iverson had not decided to skip his senior year. Bobby Iverson was a legitimate high school All American who was probably the most heralded recruit in NT history.

[Cooley]

NT03,

I was thinking the same thing.

Senior moment guys! That was a mistake