BU recruit- class of 2009- Vee Sanford

[Da Coach]

One of the guards Bradley is recruiting from the class of 2009 is Lexington, Kentucky guard Vee Sanford.
Vee Sanford is a 6'3" PG/SG combo from lexington Catholic High School.
He has offers from Bradley and Miami (Ohio) University.
He is a great shooter and scored 30 points in his team's first game. Then on Saturday 12/6 in the Marshall County (KY) Hoopfest, he lead his team to a win with 29 points on 6 of 9 from three.

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/62/622131.jpg http://media.scout.com/media/image/62/622130.jpg

Scout profile-
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3555565
a couple of the premium scout articles mention Bradley as recruiting sanford.

Rivals profile-
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=80816&sport=2

Here are a couple more articles- The second one (11/22/08 ) mentions that Vee Sanford has taken a visit to Bradley--
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/Vee%20Sanford.html

[Big Mike]

Sounds like a good player...nice to see he has taken an official visit to the hilltop....it will be more impressive when the new fieldhouse is up with the new mens practice facility in place! :D But I didn't like the statement by the father saying that prep school could still happen and kentucky would end up giving him a ride for 2010! :rolleyes: Come to BU and hit the floor running...where if your good...you will play! :mrgreen:

[lake Camelot]

Sounds like a fine player. That photo makes it look like he needs to get in the weight room.

[Big Mike]

Anyone else notice the Curtis Stuckey haircut? :lol:

[Da Coach]

Sounds like a good player...nice to see he has taken an official visit to the hilltop....it will be more impressive when the new fieldhouse is up with the new mens practice facility in place! :D But I didn't like the statement by the father saying that prep school could still happen and kentucky would end up giving him a ride for 2010! :rolleyes: Come to BU and hit the floor running...where if your good...you will play! :mrgreen:

Bradley has recruited a player out of Kentucky each of the last 2 previous years (Steffphon Pettigrew (http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1244) and Shelvin Mack (http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2818)), and one thing seems apparent. Every Kentucky high school kid wants to go to the University of Kentucky.
Billy Gillispie likes to play games with them all by stringing them along even though there is no chance he will offer a scholarship.
He tried the same ploy with Pettigrew and Mack. They waited to commit, because they were lead to think Kentucky might have a scholarship for them. Eventually they went on to have great senior seasons, and committed to good midmajor schools (Pettigrew at Western Kentucky and Mack at Butler), but in the end, they both expressed disappointment the way they were treated by Gillispie. Either of these kids would have looked nice in a Bradley uniform, as would Vee Sanford. I hope he and his family realize the cutthroat business of recruiting and the games Billy Gillispie plays.

[Da Coach]

Free Rivals article about Vee Sanford--
http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=891303


http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/888/736048.jpg

[PeoriaLou]

Sounds like Vee's stock is on the rise. With an offer from UK, it may be tough.

Down in the article it mentions a guy named CJ Penny, a 6'5 SG who had a monster game. That's the type of player we need with our last 09 scholly - a bigger guard who is strong and can shoot the ball.

[Da Coach]

Vee Sanford is currently out with an injury, but he may be back playing, soon.
Here is a new premium article about him from the Miami of Ohio Scout site--
http://miamiohio.scout.com/2/824551.html

It says he has 3 offers.
Here are some clips-
Senior combo guardVee Sanford (http://miamiohio.scout.com/a.z?s=348&p=8&c=1&nid=3555565) plans to spend his life devoted to sports. His ultimate goal is to make the NBA. The 177 pound Lexington Catholic High School standout told RedHawk Insider, “I want to reach the best level of basketball, the NBA.” However, if pro basketball does not work out, Sanford would like to go into sports journalism or television broadcasting. “I like being around sports,” Sanford said, “And something I have always been good at is recording things. I wouldn’t mind being on TV” Sanford also said he could end up as a college coach. Sanford added, “I just want to stay around sports.”

At the moment, Sanford has been dominant in one particular sport: basketball. Last year as a junior on a senior led team, he still was able to average 13.4 points, 4.5 steals, and over 4 assists per game. As a senior this year, he has become the man. His average points per game has more than doubled. Plus he has been averaging 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and over 3 assists per game.

In high school, he plays primarily point guard but can play any of the guard positions. In college, Sanford said he will “play whatever position his coach feels comfortable.”

Sanford gave a list of some of the schools that are already showing interest. They include Miami (http://miamiohio.scout.com/)(OH), Georgetown (http://georgetown.scout.com/), Kentucky, Bradley (http://bradley.scout.com/), Virginia (http://virginia.scout.com/) Commonwealth, Southern Methodist, South Florida (http://southflorida.scout.com/), Nebraska (http://nebraska.scout.com/), Marshall (http://marshall.scout.com/), and St. Louis (http://saintlouis.scout.com/). He has offers from Miami, Bradley, and Kentucky. The offer from Kentucky is conditioned on him spending a year in prep school and reclassifying from 2009 to 2010.
At this point, Sanford does not have a leader and indicated he will not make a commitment until the spring signing period.

Sanford has taken an official visit on Halloween night to Bradley and was very close to becoming a Brave. “I was about to commit, but my father told me to wait,” said Sanford. Sanford explained, “I like it up there. Peoria, Illinois is really nice. Nice fans.”

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/51/512603.jpg

[OrangeandBlack74]

Sanford has taken an official visit on Halloween night to Bradley and was very close to becoming a Brave. “I was about to commit, but my father told me to wait,” said Sanford. Sanford explained, “I like it up there. Peoria, Illinois is really nice. Nice fans.”

Good call on that point, Vee! :)

Dad should just mind his own business...j/k ;)

[jeffsu]

From the Scout Article:
Senior combo guard Vee Sanford plans to spend his life devoted to sports. His ultimate goal is to make the NBA. The 177 pound Lexington Catholic High School standout told RedHawk Insider, “I want to reach the best level of basketball, the NBA.” However, if pro basketball does not work out, Sanford would like to go into sports journalism. “I like being around sports,” Sanford said


Good thing we just added that Sports Communications major! :)

[BuBraves55]

marketing...... vee for 3 could be pretty catchy

[Da Coach]

The SMU Rivals site has a new premium article today on Vee Sanford--
Combo guard has interest in SMU
http://smu.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=901056

It requires a subscription to read the article, but here are some points from the story-
-Several schools a day call to inquire about the Lexington (Kentucky) prospect.
-The schools he currently holds offers from are Toledo, St. Louis, Bradley and Miami-Ohio.
-The only school he has visited so far is Bradley, but he would like to visit SMU and St. Louis.
-The newest schools in the picture are Marquette, Navy and Oklahoma State. Missouri State called this week, and he's also hearing from UAB, Boston College and SMU.
-He says, "I'm looking for a fit. I'm not too caught up in going to the biggest program in the nation. I just want to go somewhere I can fit into the coaching environment and the coaches."
-The 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard is avergaing 21.4 points per game so far his senior season.

Profile-
http://smu.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=80816

Photo gallery-
http://smu.rivals.com/prospectgallery.asp?pr_key=80816


http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/1174/746679.JPG

[Da Coach]

The Kansas State Rivals site has a new article on Vee Sanford-
http://kansasstate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=913675

Profile-
http://kansasstate.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=80816

In the article, which is restricted to subscribers, Sanford tells the writer-
"I have been getting attention from Georgetown, Kansas State, Marquette, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Wyoming.
Kansas State just started calling me about a month ago.
In addition to those schools, Sanford has received scholarship offers from St. Louis, Loyola-Chicago, Bradley and Toledo.
"Most of the schools are recruiting me as a point guard," he said. "I can play either guard position, though."

[jeffsu]

Sounds like a great guy to me. Of the recruits we know about, I like this guy a lot.

"clutch jump shooter" -- YES! I love it. SM does good with clutch shots, but if it's always him, it won't work.

Plus, if he's a PG/SG combo, he'd be great to give some relief at PG (sometimes) and be a nice 2 guard, right behind SM. Perfect to develop and get some time in 2009-2010, then take over in the Dodie Dunson role after that for 3 years.

[braveatheart]

Sounds like a great guy to me. Of the recruits we know about, I like this guy a lot.

"clutch jump shooter" -- YES! I love it. SM does good with clutch shots, but if it's always him, it won't work.

Plus, if he's a PG/SG combo, he'd be great to give some relief at PG (sometimes) and be a nice 2 guard, right behind SM. Perfect to develop and get some time in 2009-2010, then take over in the Dodie Dunson role after that for 3 years.

I agree jeffsu. Sounds like DD jr. Would love to get this guy. Even better if we could get him and redshirt him. Too bad he didn't commit on Holloween.

[Bradleyguy10]

I'd be surprised if he did now. Unless he visits us again it probably won't be BU he picks. We're old in his mind and he almost did it and didn't pull the trigger. Just by pure human psychology I'd say it'd be awkward for him to come here almost do it...then not commit...then get higher up attention and visits...then suddenly commit to BU. Just wouldn't follow common behavior. His dad told him not to commit to us for some reason and he agreed for some reason...

It'd be great though if he came here. I really like "VEE for THREE!" or if it makes it "THREE for VEE!"

[Big Mike]

I'm starting to think Vee is going to do a Daruis Smith on us....he is getting interest from bigger schools and while they all say it doesn't matter...in the end it usually does.....Vee would be a big addition to the Braves but I'll be surprised if he lands here!

[jeffsu]

It just sounds like our key is to get him back on campus. Now he's seen some other places and people. He knows basically where his "ceiling" for recruiting is.

But apparently we did a pretty good job getting him out here on Halloween (the weekend the Markin Center opened!) and making him feel real comfortable. Let's get him back and show him he was right the first time around!

[FutureBrave2013]

Bigger and better schools recruiting an '09 recruit this late could be a whole lot of nothing. So far, Bradley is his best standing offer.

I'd say Bradley is in good shape here.

[BUBrave28]

Someone should also tell him campus was a ghost town on Halloween because of the Illinois State Police Alcohol Taskforce. Get him up here on a weekend in mid to late April and the image of campus would be completely different.

I sort of disagree that it would be akward for him to come back and commit since he didn't the first time around. If his dad did say "don't commit here" it was, in my mind, most likely because he felt they should see what else was out there before making a hasty decision. Now that he has seen what is out there (including coaches personalities and philosophies) maybe it makes it even more evident that Bradley is the place he fits in the best. He sounds like a smart kid, maybe he'll make a smart decision.

[tornado]

Here's a great video with interview and some really nice live action...
thanks LongTimeFan - for finding it...
http://tr.truveo.com/Vee-Sanford-tal...g/id/351401314

[Da Coach]

New premium article from Scout.com--
Sanford gets loose in front of coaches
http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/842503.html


Here is a brief clip-
Lexington (Ky.) Catholic, led byVee Sanford, took on Lexington (Ky.) Tates Creek, with the winner advancing to the 43rd District finals and guaranteeing themselves a spot in the 11th Region Tournament, while the loser was sent home.
And when Sanford, a senior standout, was needed most, he rose to the occasion. After a rough start to the game, Sanford turned it up, knocking in floaters and deep off the dribble jumpers on his way to 31 points.

Sanford’s big effort, on 12-for-21 shooting, is the main reason the Knights will play in the District championship on Friday against Lexington (Ky.) Lafayette. To go with his 31 points, he also tossed out five assists, had five steals, but turned it over five times.
With coaches from Georgetown (http://georgetown.scout.com/), Virginia (http://virginia.scout.com/) and Charlotte (http://charlotte.scout.com/) in attendance, Sanford showed his ability to take over a game.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard has seen varying levels of college interest thus far. He holds scholarship offers from Wyoming (http://wyoming.scout.com/), Toledo (http://toledo.scout.com/), Indiana State (http://indianastate.scout.com/), Miami (http://miami.scout.com/), Bradley (http://bradley.scout.com/), Saint Louis and Loyola-Chicago, while Kentucky (http://kentucky.scout.com/), Kansas State (http://kansasstate.scout.com/), Oklahoma State (http://oklahomastate.scout.com/), Marquette (http://marquette.scout.com/), Georgetown, Virginia and Charlotte are showing interest.

[thefish7]

Here's a great video with interview and some really nice live action...
thanks LongTimeFan - for finding it...
http://tr.truveo.com/Vee-Sanford-tal...g/id/351401314

That's a nice looking jumper. Good love he gave the MVC/BU during the interview. Vee seems like just the kind of shooter we need...

[Bradleyguy10]

He's got a nice shot. Looks like it's in slow motion...just smooth. Seems like a good guy too. Hope he chooses BU!!

[Da Coach]

Here is an update on Vee Sanford from the Virginia Cavaliers' Rivals website. It is a premium article, but it now reports that Virginia is making a strong push to land Sanford. --
http://virginia.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=919744

http://virginia.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=80816

Here are a couple clips from the premium article--
Every spring in the world of college basketball recruiting, there are players who come virtually out of nowhere to become big-time targets.
One player who is experiencing that scenario right now is Lexington (Ky.) Lexington Catholic combo guard Vee Sanford (http://virginia.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=80816).
The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder is having a monster senior season and numerous college programs, including Virginia, have made him a priority target this spring.
We asked him who the most serious suitors were at this point.
"Georgetown, Virginia, Charlotte, Nebraska and Kansas State are probably the main ones. Marquette and Baylor have come in lately but I have to start thinking about narrowing things down."
Last fall, Sanford took one official visit, meaning that he has four available to take this spring.
"I visited Bradley in October over Halloween weekend, so I have four official visits left," Sanford said. "I know that I'm definitely trying to go to Virginia and Georgetown. And Nebraska is another one I think I want to visit."
"I play a little smooth," Sanford said. "I like to shoot the mid-range floater but I can shoot from outside and I'm pretty explosive and can get to the basket. I try to model my game after Devin Harris."
Sanford and his Lexington Catholic teammates are 22-7 on the season and the star guard is averaging 23 points, five assists, five rebounds and four steals per game.
"I'm looking for a place where the coach is going to push me to get the most out of me. I also want to have an impact early and find a place where I feel like I fit in well."

[lightsout]

I was reading through a chat on recruiting done by Reggie Rankin on espn.com and he had this to say about Vee.

Mike (DC): What do you know about Vee Sanford?

Reggie Rankin: Again, thanks Mike. Sanford is a skilled wing who's an excellent shooter off the dribble. He's got great range and a scorer's mentality. He's also big enough to play the two or three. I really like him. He's an excellent scoring wing. He played really well at the Marshall County Hoop Fest in the fall.


I'm still holding out hope Vee goes with his gut and comes to BRADLEY! We would love to have you here Vee.

[Da Coach]

Update on Vee Sanford.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090318/SPORTS05/903180437/1002/SPORTS

[Da Coach]

This article mentions that Bradley had a coach present at the Kentucky high school tournament-
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090320/SPORTS05/903200473/1002/SPORTS

[jeffsu]

Senior guard Vee Sanford (photo), who led the team at 22.5 points a game, has visits set up for Georgetown, Baylor and Charlotte. He's already visited Bradley and has dozens of other offers. Georgia, Nebraska, George Mason and Iowa are also showing major interest.

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/Vee%20Sanford.html

From ESPN:
March, 2009: Sanford is a skilled, long athlete that has the ability to score in a variety of ways. He is a good ball handler and underrated passer but his strength lies in his three point range of the catch or dribble and his floater in the lane that he executes with excellent touch and body control. Sanford must add strength and he didn't shoot well this weekend but he has the potential to be an excellent college player.
Shooting Guard # 71

[Da Coach]

Vee Sanford is getting around-
Tomorrow he will be visiting Marshall University. See the bottom segment of this article-
http://www.dailymail.com/Sports/MUSports/200904090005

[Eta Rho]

Vee is solid, but really struggles against guards his size or bigger.

I've watched Vee the past two years in the KY state tournament and both times he's gone up against a good defender, he's really struggled.

When they played Covington Holmes in the state tournament a few weeks ago, Ricardo Johnson (6'6 2010 BU prospect) bottled Vee up and forced him in to 2 of 15 shooting for just 6 points.

I realize Vee won't be going up against many 6'6 guys with the talent and athleticism of Ricardo, but my point is, Vee is going to have to improve a lot to be a major contributor for the Braves.

[tornado]

thanks ER for your assessment

[Eta Rho]

Sanford has 4 visits left, but I think UCF is where he may end up:

Brandon Helwig
UCFSports.com

http://ucf.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=935290

(article edited)

[Da Coach]

Here is the link to that Rivals article--
http://ucf.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=935290

Since it is a premium article, we don't allow the entire text to be posted.

Here are a couple clips--
The UCF men's basketball team is poised to sign their best recruiting class ever, but they aren't quite done yet. The Knights are in search of one more player to bring into the fold and one of Kirk Speraw's (http://www.chicagosports.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=1219) assistants recently made a trip to Kentucky to check in with one of the country's top unsigned guards.

Vee Sanford (http://www.chicagosports.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=80816), a 6-foot-3 combo guard from Lexington Catholic, hosted associate head coach Mike Jaskulski (http://www.chicagosports.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=751) in his home last Thursday.
UCF as well as several other schools have offered invitations for Sanford to make an official visit. He previously visited Bradley last fall.

Mr. Sanford said his son would like to visit UCF and they hope to set up a date soon.

"We've never been been down there to UCF," Sanford said. "We've only seen what Coach Jaz has showed us and what I've seen on their Web site, but I've heard it's an unbelievable campus. He is supposed to visit Georgetown and Baylor. I need to double check, but I think Baylor is the 23rd of this month and Georgetown is going to be the 27th and 28th. They're going to be like back-to-back. Hopefully he'll get it set up where he'll get to UCF, then Georgia he's going to try to visit as well."

Iowa, Charlotte and Marshall are also in the mix. Huntington, W.V. is only a two-hour drive from Lexington so an unofficial visit is a possibility if they decide they want to check out the Thundering Herd.

Several of Sanford's visits may have to be mid-week trips due to scheduling conflicts on the weekends. He has a basketball engagement this coming weekend and his senior prom is the week after that.

"He's still wide open, which a lot of people can't believe. Like I tell them, this is a life changing experience. You have to make sure you evaluate everything. He may take all his visits or one or two visits and then commit, but that's only if he gets somewhere and decides, 'This is where I want to be' and that would be after he's met the coaches, players, administrators and see how the campus life is going to be. It's a new chapter of your life so you've got to make sure it's the right fit for you."

Sanford averaged 21.9 points and five rebounds as a senior.


By the way, UCF has a ton of 2-guards on their roster and newly committed for next year. I would be surprised if Vee selected UCF.

See:
http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=129433#post129433

In addition to Marcus Jordan and Nik Garcia, UCF also signed another 2-guard:
R.J. Scott-
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=83661

and is in the running for yet another highly rated 2-guard-
Sherrod Wright-
http://ucf.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=60629
http://ucf.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=934873

[Eta Rho]

Vee will be playing in the Big East for the Georgetown Hoyas next year. Just got word that he verballed today and will sign next week.

[SFP]

I wish we would have gotten him but Georgetown is a nice school in a great part of DC. I wish him luck!

[thefish7]

Best of luck to Vee. Georgetown has a beautiful campus, and as SFP said, is in a really cool part of DC.

[Da Coach]

Sanford to Georgetown-
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2009/04/sanford-to-georgetown.html

[Da Coach]

Vee Sanford left Georgetown after 1 year, and has transferred to Dayton.