Clarke Overlander

[KRAM1]

For those of you speculating on the future of signee Clarke Overlander out of Argyle, TX, let the speculation cease regarding his status. Coach Benford made it very clear that Clarke is a part of the team and that he has a place on that team and that Coach has seen him play and he is pleased with him!

The fact that some on here...and elsewhere were speculating on Clarke's future with the squad without any real first-hand knowledge was, for me, a bit disconcerting to see, and I am more than happy to have it behind us all now once and for all.

Just from what I have witnessed and seen, Clarke Overlander may well surprise a few folks...our so-called basketball gurus here on GMG.Com and elsewhere...with his ability to earn playing time and become an integral member of what looks to be an excellent Mean Green team going into the 2013 season and beyond. The idea that he "couldn't compete" because he played for a 3A school was just beyond nuts! The idea that he should take a grey shirt and academic scholarship to free up space...well, laughable.

Anyway, Clarke Overlander had opportunities to play elsewhere at the D1 level...this according to Coach Benford last evening...and he chose UNT because he wants to be here and he wants to play for UNT. His FIRST CHOICE of places to play.

So, since it is settled once and for all...it was NEVER unsettled for me....never had any doubts about his remaining at UNT....and on athletic scholarship....let's all get behind Clarke and the rest of the team and this program and FILL THE SUPER PIT FOR NEXT SEASON'S FIRST GAME!!!! be there and bring some friends...it's going to be the first of many wins this year!

Welcome aborad Clarke, P.J. and Keith....GO MEAN GREEN!

Edited May 9, 2012 by KRAM1

[Censored by Laurie]

My speculation on a potential academic scholarship was in no way based on my thought Overlander can't play (the real basketball guru on here is Guaranteed22, and since he's on board with Clarke then so am I) rather the fact that until Vito cleared things up we at one point had 15 "signed" players on our roster and I was hoping that either Odoh or Robinson as well as Overlander would be in Denton come Fall. There are cases across the country where if a kid (starters even) legitimately qualifies for an academic scholarship he'll take that to keep 13 free for the betterment of the program...it's not meant in the least as a slight.

[glick1980]

He is a very underrated defensive player. He will do fine here. He has a strong body and is a good shooter.

[Army of Dad]

Anyway, Clarke Overlander had opportunities to play elsewhere at the D1 level...this according to Coach Benford last evening...and he chose UNT because he wants to be here and he wants to play for UNT. His FIRST CHOICE of places to play.

So, since it is settled once and for all...it was NEVER unsettled for me....never had any doubts about his remaining at UNT....and on athletic scholarship....let's all get behind Clarke and the rest of the team and this program and FILL THE SUPER PIT FOR NEXT SEASON'S FIRST GAME!!!! be there and bring some friends...it's going to be the first of many wins this year!

Welcome aborad Clarke, P.J. and Keith....GO MEAN GREEN!

I think he was at all but a couple of UNT games last season, he really wants to be here and his parents love it. As for filling the Pit, our row will be full again next season!

[Censored by Laurie]

He is a very underrated defensive player. He will do fine here. He has a strong body and is a good shooter.

Based on the tape I've seen on him, my only concern and why I don't think he contributes much next season, is I feel he needs work on his core strength and athleticism...he seems to have difficulty maintaining his balance in the air on his jumper and I think he'll have a bit more difficulty getting separation for his shot at the next level immediately. I think with some hard work he's going to develop into a fine player here, but I just don't see where he cracks the line-up here next season.

[NT03]

I guess I started this whole mess by suggesting he grey shirt based on us having to lose 2 players. I assumed that maybe benford let the 2 signees go. I didn't want to lose Clarke, that's why I suggested what I did.

I don't think it was out of the realm of possiblity that the 2 signees would be asked to ask for their release. Marquette just did the same thing w/ the Durley kid.

I've never said I didn't want Clarke here. My apologizes to anyone who took my idea and thought otherwise.

One of the 1st texted I received when he 1st verballed was from a AAU coach who said Clarke was probably the best pure shooter in all of DFW for the 2012 class. What's not to like about that ???

I'm very happy he's on board. His playing time may be limited this year , but he should have a chance at big minutes down the road once we lose some key players like Walton & Patton

If I sound in anways like I slighted the kid , I truly do apologize. Ive never had an issue critizing coaches or the AD , but the last thing I would ever want to do is sound like im being critical of a KID

Welcome aboard & let's go dancing !!!

Edited May 9, 2012 by NT03

[KRAM1]

I guess I started this whole mess by suggesting he grey shirt based on us having to lose 2 players. I assumed that maybe benford let the 2 signees go. I didn't want to lose Clarke, that's why I suggested what I did.

I don't think it was out of the realm of possiblity that the 2 signees would be asked to ask for their release. Marquette just did the same thing w/ the Durley kid.

I've never said I didn't want Clarke here. My apologizes to anyone who took my idea and thought otherwise.

One of the 1st texted I received when he 1st verballed was from a AAU coach who said Clarke was probably the best pure shooter in all of DFW for the 2012 class. What's not to like about that ???

I'm very happy he's on board. His playing time may be limited this year , but he should have a chance at big minutes down the road once we lose some key players like Walton & Patton

If I sound in anways like I slighted the kid , I truly do apologize. Ive never had an issue critizing coaches or the AD , but the last thing I would ever want to do is sound like im being critical of a KID

Welcome aboard & let's go dancing !!!

Indeed...I never took it that you were actually dissing the kid...it just started going from there with all the speculation stuff and even someone suggesting the kid take a grey shirt and academic scholarship to make room for someone else...crazy! The other concern I had was that I know player and recruit parents and the recruits themselves have been known to read this board. Having a new coach come in can and does cause some angst for recruits and recruit parents as they know full well what can and does happen to scholarships in these situations at some schools. Thought the speculation and then the widening of the speculation could well be having some negative effects outside the board. Your basketball comments are often some of the best and I enjoy reading them, so, for me...please don't think I was "banging" on your comments...again, did not see them as some "this kid can't play D1 and let's trade him out" kind of stuff. You know too much about basketball to make such comments.

So, it's over...thank you Coach Benford for making that clear last evening. As you say...welcome aboard and let's do go dancing...I think Clarke can help UNT punch its ticket to that dance!

[meangreenfan65]

Indeed...I never took it that you were actually dissing the kid...it just started going from there with all the speculation stuff and even someone suggesting the kid take a grey shirt and academic scholarship to make room for someone else...crazy! The other concern I had was that I know player and recruit parents and the recruits themselves have been known to read this board. Having a new coach come in can and does cause some angst for recruits and recruit parents as they know full well what can and does happen to scholarships in these situations at some schools. Thought the speculation and then the widening of the speculation could well be having some negative effects outside the board. Your basketball comments are often some of the best and I enjoy reading them, so, for me...please don't think I was "banging" on your comments...again, did not see them as some "this kid can't play D1 and let's trade him out" kind of stuff. You know too much about basketball to make such comments.

So, it's over...thank you Coach Benford for making that clear last evening. As you say...welcome aboard and let's do go dancing...I think Clarke can help UNT punch its ticket to that dance!

Well put!

[forevereagle]

Out of curiosity, since the consensus seems to be that he will have limited minutes this year, is there a chance that he redshirts? To me, he seems to have a lot of upside and if we don't have a lot of time for him this year, an extra year to develop could be helpful, not only in his development, but building the team for the future. Just wanted to throw the question to those with more basketball knowledge than myself. I'll hang up and listen.

[meangreenacct]

Out of curiosity, since the consensus seems to be that he will have limited minutes this year, is there a chance that he redshirts? To me, he seems to have a lot of upside and if we don't have a lot of time for him this year, an extra year to develop could be helpful, not only in his development, but building the team for the future. Just wanted to throw the question to those with more basketball knowledge than myself. I'll hang up and listen.

If he isn't able to get 7-10 good minutes a night, I think redshirting would be a good idea. After next year we lose Walton, Patton, and Holmen, which would definitely open up time for him at the 2 or 3.

[GrandGreen]

Out of curiosity, since the consensus seems to be that he will have limited minutes this year, is there a chance that he redshirts? To me, he seems to have a lot of upside and if we don't have a lot of time for him this year, an extra year to develop could be helpful, not only in his development, but building the team for the future. Just wanted to throw the question to those with more basketball knowledge than myself. I'll hang up and listen.

Overlander was recruited for his ability to shoot the three, something that NT will definitely need next year. I don't see him getting big minutes but I do see him playing a needed role on next year's team. Other than Walton, NT doesn't have any guards that have proven they are even average outside shooters. Hopefully, Jones, Norris and the Williams boys will be more consistent outside shooters but Clarke should play a part. Hopefully, as I have read, Benford doesn't rely as much on three shooting as JJ.

Hardwick and Overlander are going to have to fight for minutes next year. Both look like good athletes to me, those opining that Overlander is too slow for this league, I think are going to be surprised.

[Harry]

[MeanGreenTexan]

From what I've seen and heard of Overlander, it sounds like we may be hearing a lot of: "Jones drives... kicks to Overlander, for three... YES!" calls from Hank.

If Walton can't make consistently good choices re: shot selection, then we may see his time slip and Overlander's rise.

[Green P1]

My speculation on a potential academic scholarship was in no way based on my thought Overlander can't play (the real basketball guru on here is Guaranteed22, and since he's on board with Clarke then so am I) rather the fact that until Vito cleared things up we at one point had 15 "signed" players on our roster and I was hoping that either Odoh or Robinson as well as Overlander would be in Denton come Fall. There are cases across the country where if a kid (starters even) legitimately qualifies for an academic scholarship he'll take that to keep 13 free for the betterment of the program...it's not meant in the least as a slight.

The basketball guru has been brushing up on middle school girl's ball as of late....

[MeanMag]

For those of us having trouble doing addition and subtraction of one or 2 players at a time, this thread is very authoritative. Glad someone could set the record straight, even if it was a couple days later.

[Censored by Laurie]

The basketball guru has been brushing up on middle school girl's ball as of late....

Oh dear...that's really gotta gnaw at his Aston.

[cl_1_2008]

The fact that people were even speculating otherwise was a bit tasteless, in my opinion.

[Green P1]

The fact that people were even speculating otherwise was a bit tasteless, in my opinion.

I think if folks spoke about Clarke even a 1/4 as harsh as many dogged on Rodge we'd all just have to curl up in the fetal position and cry.