2010 BU Recruit- Michael Ocherobia

[Future Walk-On]

http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage/x57977992/Brooks-departing-BU-staff (http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage...rting-BU-staff)

Bradley has made a scholarship offer to Michael Ocherobia, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound center who’s been playing at a prep school in the Canary Islands. Ocherobia, 21, is originally from Nigeria and spent time in England before landing in the islands off the coast of northern Africa. It is believed that Ocherobia would have at least three years of college eligibility beginning this fall. The athletes can’t sign a National Letter of Intent with an American university until his academic documents have been processed and approved. ... The current Braves begin final exams next week. Les said all would return to BU for summer school in June.

[amckillip]

http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage...rting-BU-staff (http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage...rting-BU-staff)

Bradley has made a scholarship offer to Michael Ocherobia, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound center who’s been playing at a prep school in the Canary Islands. Ocherobia, 21, is originally from Nigeria and spent time in England before landing in the islands off the coast of northern Africa. It is believed that Ocherobia would have at least three years of college eligibility beginning this fall. The athletes can’t sign a National Letter of Intent with an American university until his academic documents have been processed and approved. ... The current Braves begin final exams next week. Les said all would return to BU for summer school in June.

So it's public now. I think most people have been pretty excited about this guy.

[Future Walk-On]

So it's public now. I think most people have been pretty excited about this guy.

yeah it appears that he is at least STRONG!

i don't care if he scores 2.3 ppg....if he plays D and has 8-10 rpg!

[BUfan14]

The athletes can’t sign a National Letter of Intent with an American university until his academic documents have been processed and approved.

Oh No, not again!

[amckillip]

Oh No, not again!

I feel ya there...

[Future Walk-On]

I just heard MO has visited Houston, ISU red, and ISU clone...and IU wth

[Duane82]

I hope this doesn't turn into us talking and wondering about him a year from now like we are for JW.

[houstonbrave]

The link you point to does not seem to exist. Can't see anything on the Bradley Hoops or PJStar site.

[Da Coach]

For some reason, the link has changed-
http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage/x57977992/Brooks-departing-BU-staff

[Da Coach]

Here is a bit more information about the newest Bradley big man recruit Michael Ocherobia-

Michael Ocherobia is 6'8", 252 pounds and reportedly has nearly a 7 foot wingspan (as measured by Coach Les).
He is originally from Nigeria, but was raised in England and speaks excellent English.
He has spent the last year at the Canarias Basketball Academy, where he received recruiting interest from numerous D1 schools.

Links and more info about the newest Bradley Brave commit Michael Ocherobia-

First- here is an informative video about the Canarias Basketball Academy (CBA) founded by a former assistant coach at several US colleges, Rob Orrelana-
http://www.hoopsfix.com/2009/10/video-cba-canarias-basketball-academy/

Old article about the coach that started the CBA (Canarias Basketball Academy)-
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1032375/index.htm

Complete CBA Roster-
http://www.cbacademy.org/index.asp?modulo=05&idioma=en

Michael Ocherobia's roster page-
http://www.cbacademy.org/index.asp?modulo=05&idioma=en&id=28

Picture roster for CBA-here he is listed at 6'8", 265 pounds. Scroll down to bottom of page 2.-
http://www.cbacademy.org/panel_de_control/archivos_subidos/CBA%20MEDIA%20GUIDE%20%20TOUR%20USA%20low.pdf

ESPN rating- the scouts who rated him saw him play at a prep school tournament on the East coast (see below) in early February. Incidentally, that is where Bradley coaches first saw him and became interested.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=104738&season=2010&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d104 738%26season%3d2010

Article about CBA with a picture of Michael Ocherobia-
http://latinosports.com/basketball/hoops-academy-teaches-game-life-lessons.html

Another article about the school-
http://www.nysportscene.com/?p=2444

Brief report of the CBA team when they played at a prep school tournament in the US in February. This is the only time Michael Ocherobia played in the US.-
http://netscoutsbasketball.com/blog/2010/02/26/english-players-at-the-national-prep-school-basketball-invitational-canarias-basketball-academy/

Listed 7th player down on this Euro prospects site. Note that a couple of his teammates at the Canarias Basketball academy are also listed as committing to Division I colleges.-
http://www.europeanprospects.com/information-database/ncaa-recruiting-europe-based-played/

[PTownHawkeye]

Links and more info about the newest Bradley Brave commit Michael Ocherobia-

Note that a couple of his teammates at the Canarias Basketball academy are also listed as committing to Division I colleges.

Is this an offer or a verbal commitment? We should consider changing the headline of this thread if it is the latter...

[BUfan14]

DC, is there reason to believe this clearing process will go smoother than the JW one and that MO will be here next year?

[tornado]

Is this an offer or a verbal commitment? We should consider changing the headline of this thread if it is the latter...

both

[shaunguth]

I hope this doesn't turn into us talking and wondering about him a year from now like we are for JW.

Or 20 months from now!

[shaunguth]

Is this an offer or a verbal commitment? We should consider changing the headline of this thread if it is the latter...

The pjs article only says that an offer was made.

[Da Coach]

DC, is there reason to believe this clearing process will go smoother than the JW one and that MO will be here next year?

I really don't have any information to say with authority, but the Canarias Basketball Academy has placed nearly 20 kids in Division I schools in the past 3 or 4 years, and all of them got through the NCAA Clearinghouse process OK, and all qualified academically. The people who run the CBA also say that there should be no problem with Michael Ocherobia. His schooling was in England, where transcripts and verifiability is usually not the same kind of problem that has been seen with kids from African countries. I hear the Bradley coaches are not worried.
Nonetheless, given the problems some Bradley recruits have had (John Wilkins, Dwight Buycks, Xavier Crawford, DeAaron Williams, etc.), I don't blame Bradley fans for worrying about it. All we can do is wait and see.

And Ocherobia is a strong verbal commitment to Bradley. He is not going to end up changing that.

[BSSFan#1]

I hope this doesn't turn into us talking and wondering about him a year from now like we are for JW.

He's already 21. If this takes as long as Wilkins, Ocherobia will be collecting social security before the NCAA decides anything.

Well, I guess he's not eligible for social security since he hasn't worked in the US.

[Da Coach]

And regarding Dave Reynolds' statement- "It is believed that Ocherobia would have at least three years of college eligibility beginning this fall."

There is no reason I can see why Michael Ocherobia would not have a full 4 years of eligibility. The NCAA does have something called the 21 year old rule, but I don't think it would apply to Ocherobia.-
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/ncaa/NCAA/Legislation%20and%20Governance/Eligibility%20and%20Recruiting/Faqs/eligibility_seasons.html

It says-
In Division I only, if a student-athlete has participated as an individual or as a team representative in organized sports competition, that kind of participation during each 12-month period after his/her 21st birthday and prior to initial full-time collegiate enrollment will count as one year of varsity competition in that sport. Any participation in organized competition during time spent in the U.S. armed services will be excepted.

Since Ocherobia has been in the prep school and not participated in organized competetion, and he is currently 20 years old, and will not be 21 until July, he should not lose any eligibility time.

[BU RICK]

This is just my opinion so don't be mad at me. What I don't understand is why you guys feel the need to talk about potential recruits before they are in hand. We've been told that other coaches read our site, so why give them information what we're up to, someone could go after them, loose lips sink ships. How did the PJS get that information and who gave it to them, tell me that.

[shaunguth]

This is just my opinion so don't be mad at me. What I don't understand is why you guys feel the need to talk about potential recruits before they are in hand. We've been told that other coaches read our site, so why give them information what we're up to, someone could go after them, loose lips sink ships. How did the PJS get that information and who gave it to them, tell me that.

They obviously have rock-solid sources......I mean John Wilkins did verbal to Iowa State.......right? ;-)

[tornado]

He's already 21. ..

incorrect, he is currently 20, he turns 21 on July 27, 2010.
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:ewga9DMbaWoJ:www.cbacademy.org/panel_de_control/archivos_subidos/CBA%2520MEDIA%2520GUIDE%2520%2520TOUR%2520USA%2520 low.pdf+%22michael+ocherobia%22+and+%221989%22&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh2bBRpCWcJZdpOBRiYZQWvgoBSxM56toBQgQtW Df28puJsOZ_9qGbE8pPFta-p8JXZGbQLl3DxJlft0wYJPquf3cu9ZhRbjAe-k-t3-tm_zC1nQH5GUc7Nuzc-SsYknNU9cU7j&sig=AHIEtbRF1pes_2EQuDQswVNOcKcVGpWICg

He is roughly the same age as or a little older than Milos Knezevic, Jake & DSE --
..and is just a little younger than Will Egolf & AT



They obviously have rock-solid sources......I mean John Wilkins did verbal to Iowa State.......right? ;-)
I believe all too often some in the journalism profession use web sources such as message boards and wikipedia...

[BU freak]

This has been common knowledge for awhile so I am sure Dave Reynolds would not have put it in the paper without the blessing of Coach Les. It has been on the pjstar boards for awhile. This is not a Wilkins situation. CBA has placed a lot of kids in Division 1 so there shouldn't be a problem, its just gonna take some time. Let's hope everything gets done before the signing date ends so we can lock him in.

[BU_EMT128]

And Ocherobia is a strong verbal commitment to Bradley. He is not going to end up changing that.

Where have I heard this same story before.... I believe nothing until a LOI is inked.

[ER3]

This is just my opinion so don't be mad at me. What I don't understand is why you guys feel the need to talk about potential recruits before they are in hand. We've been told that other coaches read our site, so why give them information what we're up to, someone could go after them, loose lips sink ships. How did the PJS get that information and who gave it to them, tell me that.

This is 2010....not 1970...

There are thousands of websites that are dedicated to providing information about college basketball recruiting...who's visiting where...what schools are looking at every guy out there...prospect databases...videos...rankings...you name it.

No college coaching staff is looking at bradleyfans.com every morning to see who Bradley is recruiting so they can fire up their private jet and fly to the Canary Islands or Bartonville, Illinois and try and steal whatever recruit Jim Les might be looking at.

If a kid can play and is looking for a D-I opportunity, programs will find out about him...and when they do find out about him, it certainly won't be from a college basketball message board in Peoria, IL that has maybe a hundred visitors a day.

[Da Coach]

This is just my opinion so don't be mad at me. What I don't understand is why you guys feel the need to talk about potential recruits before they are in hand. We've been told that other coaches read our site, so why give them information what we're up to, someone could go after them, loose lips sink ships. How did the PJS get that information and who gave it to them, tell me that.

Gee, I guess we can't please everyone.
Some fans have known about Mike Ocherobia for almost 2 months. This site intentionally kept this information confidential at the request of people involved, so not to adversely affect his recruiting. Now that he is 100% committed to Bradley, we have continued to keep the info off the boards, while posters on other bulletin boards (who are not Bradley fans) have chosen to publically discuss it.
But now that the info has finally reached the PJ Star and gotten published widely, I don't see any reason that the true Bradley fans here shouldn't be informed about Michael Ocherobia since there is little known about him, and little available on the internet, and everyone wants to know about this athletic big man.

[mrcoachdude]

ER3 I think you are narrowing the field down to far by saying a message board...word of mouth and the internet are the biggest avenues for coaches to find out about players...so to single this site out...you may be right, but when the word gets out..it gets out...and it can start here... you think that the recruiting sites don't take a look at various sites to get their info? I believe we have had recruiting sites post here...

I can tell you that I knew that a coach from Colorado St and Oklahoma visited the Island a week before the signing period...now how did i know that? It was not posted here....but with information I got here I found out...

your right its not 1970 message boards and the internet were not available...

[Boiler]

Just get this guy signed!

[Da Coach]

This is 2010....not 1970...

There are thousands of websites that are dedicated to providing information about college basketball recruiting...who's visiting where...what schools are looking at every guy out there...prospect databases...videos...rankings...you name it.

No college coaching staff is looking at bradleyfans.com every morning to see who Bradley is recruiting so they can fire up their private jet and fly to the Canary Islands or Bartonville, Illinois and try and steal whatever recruit Jim Les might be looking at.

If a kid can play and is looking for a D-I opportunity, programs will find out about him...and when they do find out about him, it won't be from a college basketball message board in Peoria, IL that has maybe a hundred visitors each day.

You are wrong about this. I suggest you talk to just about any coach who has ever worked at the D1 level and you will find out.
Some college coaches will do anything to get ahead or stay ahead. Division I is very competetive, and every coach knows he could lose his job anytime if he doesn't succeed.
There are coaches who will use negative recruiting techniques, and have done so against Bradley in the past, to try to interfere with Bradley getting the recruits they are seeking. Even if a coach doesn't want a kid for his team, there are some who will use negative recruiting to keep the kid from going to their rival. It doesn't just happen against Bradley either.
Again, ask any D1 coach. None of them ever talk or complain about these things publically, but it happens abundantly.
And Bradley's coaches aren't the only ones that try to keep information about who they are recruiting secret. Most D1 coaches do this. Many times we will see a kid commit to a school that nobody knew was even in the picture with the kid until he commits. There have been numerous examples of this just these past couple weeks since the LOI period began.

And Mrcoachdude is correct- maybe other coaches don't necessarily read the opposition's message boards. But info that appears on message boards about a new recruit often finds it's way onto the recruiting sites like Rivals, Scout, and there are many more, and from there it's easy for other coaches to find out who's recruiting who.

[tornado]

I have been told personally on several ocasions by a well known D-I head coach, that he does check message boards occasionally, including this one, and he's even complimented me on the fact that Bradley's board is way better than most!!
And if you choose to believe they would NOT use info on blogs, websites, and message boards about recruits, then you are fully entitled to believe it, but you have not done any recsearch on it and are likely just offering opinion....but they do.

[LittleBrave]

Well, I am glad to hear Braves news one way or another.
I don't see this kid being pushed around in the paint like some of our guys were last year. I know that TB is only 6'6", but if he improves on his rebounding, as he showed he definitely could last year, 2nd chance points will not be as much a factor in 2010-'11.
Maybe he's the X-factor we need to make us Valley contenders?
We can't expect him to take over games or be the top scorer, but he can give us help in the intangibles and free up our guards to score more easily.
I'm getting ahead of myself, but I'm staying positive that we'll get this guy in a Braves uni.

[mrcoachdude]

Gee, I guess we can't please everyone.
Some fans have known about Mike Ocherobia for almost 2 months. This site intentionally kept this information confidential at the request of people involved, so not to adversely affect his recruiting. Now that he is 100% committed to Bradley, we have continued to keep the info off the boards, while posters on other bulletin boards (who are not Bradley fans) have chosen to publically discuss it.
But now that the info has finally reached the PJ Star and gotten published widely, I don't see any reason that the true Bradley fans here shouldn't be informed about Michael Ocherobia since there is little known about him, and little available on the internet, and everyone wants to know about this athletic big man.

Hey Coach...there are some Bradley fans on that other board :) I am sure you weren't calling out all the posters over there...

I am curious how one can call themself a fan and post what they know could cause a problem?????? Why? Even if it were a little thing and probably would not make much difference.....why?

[Air Petey]

I am curious how one can call themself a fan and post what they know could cause a problem?????? Why? Even if it were a little thing and probably would not make much difference.....why?

Maybe some "Fans" don't post early because their source asked them not to post until official?

[Da Coach]

mrcoachdude, the poster who started the Ocherobia thread is an
ISU fan, and the majority of posts in the thread are from ISU and Illini fans. That was what I am referring to.

[SFP]

Maybe some "Fans" don't post early because their source asked them not to post until official?

I also new a while back with links and everything but my source asked to keep it off the board. I want all the information possible and I'm sure not going to open my big trap to hurt my future chances of getting updates.:mrgreen:

[Air Petey]

I also new a while back with links and everything but my source asked to keep it off the board. I want all the information possible and I'm sure not going to open my big trap to hurt my future chances of getting updates.:mrgreen:

Bingo!!

Winner, Winner..... Chicken DINNER

[mrcoachdude]

mrcoachdude, the poster who started the Ocherobia thread is an
ISU fan, and the majority of posts in the thread are from ISU and Illini fans. That was what I am referring to.

yeh I knew that....just trying to appease a couple of people :)

[ER3]

You are wrong about this. I suggest you talk to just about any coach who has ever worked at the D1 level and you will find out.


What exactly am I wrong about?

Are you saying that if I talk to any coach who has ever worked at the D-I level they are going to tell me that they look at bradleyfans.com to find their recruiting information?

That was the only claim I said that I disagreed with in my original post...that opposing coaches look at this board to find recruiting targets that they could steal from BU.

[real fan]

Gee, I guess we can't please everyone.
Some fans have known about Mike Ocherobia for almost 2 months. This site intentionally kept this information confidential at the request of people involved, so not to adversely affect his recruiting. Now that he is 100% committed to Bradley, we have continued to keep the info off the boards, while posters on other bulletin boards (who are not Bradley fans) have chosen to publically discuss it.
But now that the info has finally reached the PJ Star and gotten published widely, I don't see any reason that the true Bradley fans here shouldn't be informed about Michael Ocherobia since there is little known about him, and little available on the internet, and everyone wants to know about this athletic big man.
First of all when BU does not announce information on this player it is for a reason, I have known about him also for a long time and if it was suppose to be public they would have issued a statement about him like todays in the paper.

[BU RICK]

mrcoachdude, the poster who started the Ocherobia thread is an
ISU fan, and the majority of posts in the thread are from ISU and Illini fans. That was what I am referring to.

I don't know how you came up with that :? "the majority"? I can root for whoever I want to and you can't stop me. I root for Bradley first, but I also like to follow Illinois, Loyola, ISU and SIU - what's the problem with that, I grew up in Illinois and like the teams from Illinois.

[amckillip]

First of all when BU does not announce information on this player it is for a reason, I have known about him also for a long time and if it was suppose to be public they would have issued a statement about him like todays in the paper.

What? Tons of us have known about him... And aren't you agreeing with DC?

And there is actually a very big reason BU doesn't announce stuff even though they'd like to... They can't. They didn't announce the Stewart commitment, even though they really want it to be out, because it's against NCAA regulations. As would BU announce anything about Michael...

[mrcoachdude]

I don't know how you came up with that :? "the majority"? I can root for whoever I want to and you can't stop me. I root for Bradley first, but I also like to follow Illinois, Loyola, ISU and SIU - what's the problem with that, I grew up in Illinois and like the teams from Illinois.

27 post are by others (at least by my count)....20 by BU fans....and I have 5 posts myself including one little smiley face post....

think that is a majority..

I am a Cardinal fan...but post about Cubs too...that make me a Cub fan?

[Bravesfan]

Sounds like a great player, if all goes as planned.

[Chico]

First I've heard about MO. Just wondering, if he does sign with the Braves, will he be considered a "project" like so many of our big man recruits? Potential wise, how does he compare with JW?

[Stryker]

First I've heard about MO. Just wondering, if he does sign with the Braves, will he be considered a "project" like so many of our big man recruits? Potential wise, how does he compare with JW?

different type of player entirely. Mike is a center, JW is an oversized small forward. Mike will be an unknown since we don't have stats on highschool games, etc.

[SFP]

Sounds like a great player, if all goes as planned.

All I'm hoping is that he is a paint eater, plays tough D, loves to rebound and can hit the bunnies like they are going out of style! If he can play quality big time minutes and have WE and TB slide down a position for quality minutes then BU will be real tough to beat.

SM - DSE - Mr. Lemon
AW - JE - DD - DSE
TB - DD - JE - MK
WE - JP - MK
MO -WE - AT - JP

We will be able to mix and match with anyone! If JP can give us quality minutes our depth at the 4/5 position should be great. :-P

We still have one more scholarship and I hope regardless we pick up a sharp shooter either for this year or next.

[ER3]

I'd say we'd have to consider him a "project" until proven otherwise...

A path to BU that consists of Nigeria to London to the Canary Islands doesn't exactly make him sound like he would be a guy that would be ready to contribute from day 1, but we'll see.

I like his size and the fact that he is a little older than the typical incoming freshman...but a guy like Odiakosa was pretty much a non-factor at ISU for two years before he became a solid player....I think we'd have to assume that we should expect a similar developmental curve for a guy like Ocherobia...

[ER3]

All I'm hoping is that he is a paint eater, plays tough D, loves to rebound and can hit the bunnies like they are going out of style! If he can play quality big time minutes and have WE and TB slide down a position for quality minutes then BU will be real tough to beat.

SM - DSE - Mr. Lemon
AW - JE - DD - DSE
TB - DD - JE - MK
WE - JP - MK
MO -WE - AT - JP

We will be able to mix and match with anyone! If JP can give us quality minutes our depth at the 4/5 position should be great. :-P

We still have one more scholarship and I hope regardless we pick up a sharp shooter either for this year or next.

You are projecting Ocherobia in the starting lineup for next year already? Wow.:roll:
A Nigerian that moved to London and played at a prep school in the Canary Islands is going to be able to come in right away and be the starting center as a freshman on a D-I team that should finish in the top half of the Valley? Really?
Anthony Thompson was nowhere near ready as a freshman, Jordan Prosser was nowhere near ready as a freshman, but Ocherobia is going to come in and start right away? Yikes...

[real fan]

What? Tons of us have known about him... And aren't you agreeing with DC?

And there is actually a very big reason BU doesn't announce stuff even though they'd like to... They can't. They didn't announce the Stewart commitment, even though they really want it to be out, because it's against NCAA regulations. As would BU announce anything about Michael...

I do agree with D.C. on this matter.

[real fan]

You are projecting Ocherobia in the starting lineup for next year already? Wow.:roll:
A Nigerian that moved to London and played at a prep school in the Canary Islands is going to be able to come in right away and be the starting center as a freshman on a D-I team that should finish in the top half of the Valley? Really?
Anthony Thompson was nowhere near ready as a freshman, Jordan Prosser was nowhere near ready as a freshman, but Ocherobia is going to come in and start right away? Yikes...
Everything that has been written about him plus the video I watched about the basketball Academy that he is at which stresses fundamentals leads me to believe this guy is exactly who we need at center next season and the future, he is not a 19 year old kid but a more mature 21 year old man.

[SFP]

You are projecting Ocherobia in the starting lineup for next year already? Wow.:roll:
A Nigerian that moved to London and played at a prep school in the Canary Islands is going to be able to come in right away and be the starting center as a freshman on a D-I team that should finish in the top half of the Valley? Really?
Anthony Thompson was nowhere near ready as a freshman, Jordan Prosser was nowhere near ready as a freshman, but Ocherobia is going to come in and start right away? Yikes...

You are so right, but one can dream a bit that a 20 year old with a man's body is ready to step in right away. Plenty of 18 year old freshmen have started and with MO being 2 years older I say why not. I have not seen him play but for some reason I'd have to think that why would we use a scholarship this year on a 5 who would be a project. We need a 5 that can contribute from day 1. Unless there's another JUCO 5 recruit out there I'd have to bet MO can handle the job.

[houstontxbrave]

I am glad we offered a big man.

I though have always been very very skeptical of foreign players, especially bigs. I am also skeptical until he is actually practicing with us in October without any restrictions(NCAA).

I still am holding out hope beyond hope that the lightbulb for Thompson goes on and he becomes what we need in the post or atleast gives significant minutes.

[SFP]

I am glad we offered a big man.

I though have always been very very skeptical of foreign players, especially bigs. I am also skeptical until he is actually practicing with us in October without any restrictions(NCAA).

I still am holding out hope beyond hope that the lightbulb for Thompson goes on and he becomes what we need in the post or atleast gives significant minutes.

AT this level you need to want it! We can hope though.

[amckillip]

You are projecting Ocherobia in the starting lineup for next year already? Wow.:roll:
A Nigerian that moved to London and played at a prep school in the Canary Islands is going to be able to come in right away and be the starting center as a freshman on a D-I team that should finish in the top half of the Valley? Really?
Anthony Thompson was nowhere near ready as a freshman, Jordan Prosser was nowhere near ready as a freshman, but Ocherobia is going to come in and start right away? Yikes...

Agreed completely ER3. I am expecting much more out of JP than MO. MO looks to have a body for this, but DC was the ideal body type too. and that didn't exactly go off without a hitch...

[Da Coach]

What exactly am I wrong about?

Are you saying that if I talk to any coach who has ever worked at the D-I level they are going to tell me that they look at bradleyfans.com to find their recruiting information?

That was the only claim I said that I disagreed with in my original post...that opposing coaches look at this board to find recruiting targets that they could steal from BU.


What I was referring to is that coaches do get info from message boards about who their rivals may be recruiting and they sometimes use that knowledge and work to prevent their rival from getting a player that could have an impact.

[Future Walk-On]

I heard the reason Brandon Knight chose Kentucky and not BU was because John Calipari was on here and saw us talking about him and then he recruited him. SEE IT DOES MATTER.

[LittleBrave]

Agreed completely ER3. I am expecting much more out of JP than MO. MO looks to have a body for this, but DC was the ideal body type too. and that didn't exactly go off without a hitch...

Did DC like to bang inside?
Did anybody like to bank inside last year?
If he develops into a Odiakosa-type player in a couple years, that would be nice.

[amckillip]

Did DC like to bang inside?
Did anybody like to bank inside last year?
If he develops into a Odiakosa-type player in a couple years, that would be nice.

I didn't say DC banged inside, I said he had a great body for a big man. No one really knows how much MO 'bangs' inside, so what your point here?

[tornado]

I'd say we'd have to consider him a "project" until proven otherwise...
.....

our staff reportedly checked out and viewed several dozen big men and passed on many who were projects...choosing to pursue this guy as the best of all options......
I have reason to believe this guy is NOT a project...maybe he was a few years ago - but his time at the prep academy and the fact that he's almost as seasoned as WE and has a body build that's a replica of Donald Reese or Mike Williams, make me think the word project will not be used on this guy...

Could he fail to be a superstar? -- of course, but I trust our guys and am pulling for Michael to quickly adapt to the college game and become a stud........

[ER3]

our staff reportedly checked out and viewed several dozen big men and passed on many who were projects...choosing to pursue this guy as the best of all options......
I have reason to believe this guy is NOT a project...maybe he was a few years ago - but his time at the prep academy and the fact that he's almost as seasoned as WE and has a body build that's a replica of Donald Reese or Mike Williams, make me think the word project will not be used on this guy...

Could he fail to be a superstar? -- of course, but I trust our guys and am pulling for Michael to quickly adapt to the college game and become a stud........

That would be great if he was ready to contribute from day 1...

I don't have any fears about him being a 'project' from a physical standpoint, that shouldn't be an issue...but from the standpoint of basketball IQ, basketball skills, and adjustment to the speed and size of the D-1 game, I'd be amazed if he were able to make that transition right away. I hope he proves me wrong, though.

[SFP]

That would be great if he was ready to contribute from day 1...

I don't have any fears about him being a 'project' from a physical standpoint, that shouldn't be an issue...but from the standpoint of basketball IQ, basketball skills, and adjustment to the speed and size of the D-1 game, I'd be amazed if he were able to make that transition right away. I hope he proves me wrong, though.

and so does the whole Brave Nation!:-P

[SaintLouBrave22]

That would be great if he was ready to contribute from day 1...

I don't have any fears about him being a 'project' from a physical standpoint, that shouldn't be an issue...but from the standpoint of basketball IQ, basketball skills, and adjustment to the speed and size of the D-1 game, I'd be amazed if he were able to make that transition right away. I hope he proves me wrong, though.

The guy has played against all the top prep schools in the country...why wouldn't he be more ready than Thompson?!

Also, I have seen the tapes...no comparison whatsoever to Collins...DC played against guys that were always much smaller than him even in JC and against mediocre talent.

This guy plays the best of the best and still produces! Just look at his line against South Kent...kid has the tools!

More than that, he will be a presence inside, which is what we have been lacking since POB...

What about this isn't a good get?!

[Braves4Life]

I'd be happy with.......

15-18 mpg
7 ppg
6 rpg
3-4 HARD fouls/game ;)
1.5 blocked shots/game

If he gives us this I think we will have a VERY successful season.

[BUfan14]

The question for me now is, where does the third scholie go??
We have had 2 great commits now, and getting another one would be great. I want a good shooter or a 7 footer. What does JL and the staff want with the third scholie?

Is Bradley out of contention for JW now? I don't understand how Houston is a good option if he wants to stay close to his dad. But I'd like to know if we are in contention or not so I can just move on...

Apparently Henderson and Brust are both out. Is Ben Mills still an option? How we doing there? If we are looking at transfers I hope we are looking at shooters....is this the route we will go? Who are we looking at for transfers if Henderson is out?

[SaintLouBrave22]

I'd be happy with.......

15-18 mpg
7 ppg
6 rpg
3-4 HARD fouls/game ;)
1.5 blocked shots/game

If he gives us this I think we will have a VERY successful season.

I believe these are good projections, and while attainable, they are not over the top...

Good post B4L!

[SFP]

I believe these are good projections, and while attainable, they are not over the top...

Good post B4L!

If we can get 18 mpg, someone who can play D against the other bigs, get his fair share of rebounds and command attention inside then I'll be completely satisfied. I also hope he is not shy about commanding the paint.

[Da Coach]

The question for me now is, where does the third scholie go??
We have had 2 great commits now, and getting another one would be great. I want a good shooter or a 7 footer. What does JL and the staff want with the third scholie?

Is Bradley out of contention for JW now? I don't understand how Houston is a good option if he wants to stay close to his dad. But I'd like to know if we are in contention or not so I can just move on...

Apparently Henderson and Brust are both out. Is Ben Mills still an option? How we doing there? If we are looking at transfers I hope we are looking at shooters....is this the route we will go? Who are we looking at for transfers if Henderson is out?


I wouldn't count on Wilkins any more.
I think the most likely possibility would be a transfer. Brust is not looking at Bradley. He will probably end up at Wisconsin or Northwestern since he won his appeal wit the Big Ten.
Mills is getting higher offers and I don't think henderson is looking at Bradley, but maybe he might.
There is a list of transfers-
http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2010/04/28/updates_to_transfer_list;_coaching_carousel,_early _entry_links

and there is a very good chance one of those names surfaces at Bradley.

[Dubl R 1]

From that list...weren't we in on Chris Babb at one time? Any chance he would still consider us?

[Future Walk-On]

I have always been under the impression that the coaches weren't looking for a project. I have a good feeling that this MAN will be able to hold his own as good if not better than any other player on our roster that would play the 5 position.

7ppg
8rpg!

[SFP]

I'm pretty happy with the team we have right now and believe if the guys decide to put in the time this summer in improving their game we should be pretty good and with some quality depth across the board.

[Da Coach]

I have always been under the impression that the coaches weren't looking for a project. I have a good feeling that this MAN will be able to hold his own as good if not better than any other player on our roster that would play the 5 position.

7ppg
8rpg!

2010 was, according to all the recruiting experts, a weak year for big men, especially in Illinois. 2011 may be a little better, but not much. I have heard that the coaching staff personally evaluated over 50 big men, and didn't think any of them could help up. Mike Ocherobia may not be an immediate impact player, but JL felt he was more physically gifted, and had a higher upside than any other prospect, including jucos.

[Big Mike]

Glad the MO info is out.....word is he can really get up and down the court for a big man, as good as the staff has seen.....no-predictions from me..just get him here and turn him lose! :mrgreen:

[Jack Bauer]

2010 was, according to all the recruiting experts, a weak year for big men, especially in Illinois. 2011 may be a little better, but not much. I have heard that the coaching staff personally evaluated over 50 big men, and didn't think any of them could help up. Mike Ocherobia may not be an immediate impact player, but JL felt he was more physically gifted, and had a higher upside than any other prospect, including jucos.

I think at this point in the game this is a good get. We've found some of our best recruiting gems late in the spring and with little fanfare. Guys like Lawrence Wright, Will Franklin, and Theron Wilson immediately come to mind. Even Taylor Brown (who was a summer pickup) falls into that category. I've never seen Mike play so I don't know what he's capable of, but sometimes these unheralded late signees show up and surprise people, even the coaches. I look at it as a worst-case he's Sam Singh - big body, but can't really do much on either end; best case he's similar to a Zach Andrews where he can score in the paint with consistency, defend, and rebound with passion. Most likely it's probably somewhere in the middle.

I also want to note that with our overhauling of the coaching staff, I have more faith that we could perhaps maximize the talent and use of a guy like this than I would have before.

[romar]

So to me the natural question now would be... Is BU done for this recruiting period?

Is it unreasonable to assume this could be in the NCAA Clearinghouse past the NLI end date & if so what's next? I'm guessing if it passes that date, but he is cleared we will still be on pins & needles until he enrolls and makes good on his commitment.

[amckillip]

The question for me now is, where does the third scholie go??
We have had 2 great commits now, and getting another one would be great. I want a good shooter or a 7 footer. What does JL and the staff want with the third scholie?

Is Bradley out of contention for JW now? I don't understand how Houston is a good option if he wants to stay close to his dad. But I'd like to know if we are in contention or not so I can just move on...

Apparently Henderson and Brust are both out. Is Ben Mills still an option? How we doing there? If we are looking at transfers I hope we are looking at shooters....is this the route we will go? Who are we looking at for transfers if Henderson is out?

I actually would mindn't another wing TB/TW/Boogie type player. I feel that in our offense we really need these type of guys and they create quite a mismatch in the MVC. So I'd love to grab a 6'4' to 6'8' athlete. I wouldn't mind another big man either.

[Jack Bauer]

I would bank the last scholarship and go hard after fall kids next year. We've already got Donivine Stewart in place. If Webster comes on board, I would give him the keys to the recruiting 'Cadillac' and tell him to find some players to play with Donivine. With Stewart being anchored in already, I think there is potential for a great class.

[houstontxbrave]

I would bank the last scholarship and go hard after fall kids next year. We've already got Donivine Stewart in place. If Webster comes on board, I would give him the keys to the recruiting 'Cadillac' and tell him to find some players to play with Donivine. With Stewart being anchored in already, I think there is potential for a great class.

I agree let the last ride roll over. I believe Harris will be on campus next year along with Stewart. We lose SM and AW. If Harris and Stewart get those two rides the last one would be the roll over. It is not manditory to roll it over but I think it is only used on an impact transfer if it is used on this recruiting class.

[SFP]

We do not have to use the last scholarship and can be a bit picky with it IMO. Unless they can fill a role or are a can't miss guy then I hope we keep it in our back pocket. You never know when an opportunity comes knocking.

[Dallas Brave]

Sounds good on paper. I am going to keep expectations low until I see him play. Last year's roller coaster took a lot out of me.

[shaunguth]

If we are looking at transfers I hope we are looking at shooters....is this the route we will go? Who are we looking at for transfers if Henderson is out?

I agree, especially with the shooters that will be gone this time next year. A shooter with 3 years remaining would be ideal! :)

[BUfan14]

I wouldn't count on Wilkins any more.
I think the most likely possibility would be a transfer. Brust is not looking at Bradley. He will probably end up at Wisconsin or Northwestern since he won his appeal wit the Big Ten.
Mills is getting higher offers and I don't think henderson is looking at Bradley, but maybe he might.
There is a list of transfers-
http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2010/04/28/updates_to_transfer_list;_coaching_carousel,_early _entry_links

and there is a very good chance one of those names surfaces at Bradley.

I agree, especially with the shooters that will be gone this time next year. A shooter with 3 years remaining would be ideal! :)

Thanks for the info DC! I haven't been counting on JW since the whole Iowa St. debacle, but I just wish it would be for sure 100% finished so I can move on from him.

I wouldn't be all that disappointed if we did just hold the scholie if nothing great comes around, and JL feels next years class is better. The fear I have with doing that though, is as Shaunguth pointed out, we lose our best three 3-point shooters next year. We don't have what I would call a pure shooter unless JE can become that the following year. I think we need to pair a shooter like Henderson with the slashing guards like DSE, JE, WL, and DS. Shooters with slashers are a great combo that opens the floor more for both types. If we don't get a guy this year, we would either have to get a JUCO or freshman shooter to step right in the following year, and I don't really want to go that route. You can't live without 3 shooters in college basketball.

So what Shaunguth said would be my ideal get too for the last scholie, now if that shooter happened to be 6'4-6'8 and athletic like amckillip wants that would be a perfect world. But we need a 3 shooter for the following year first IMO. That is why JW would have been perfect here as an athletic tall guy who can shoot.....Oh well.

[Stryker]

Thanks for the info DC! I haven't been counting on JW since the whole Iowa St. debacle, but I just wish it would be for sure 100% finished so I can move on from him.

I wouldn't be all that disappointed if we did just hold the scholie if nothing great comes around, and JL feels next years class is better. The fear I have with doing that though, is as Shaunguth pointed out, we lose our best three 3-point shooters next year. We don't have what I would call a pure shooter unless JE can become that the following year. I think we need to pair a shooter like Henderson with the slashing guards like DSE, JE, WL, and DS. Shooters with slashers are a great combo that opens the floor more for both types. If we don't get a guy this year, we would either have to get a JUCO or freshman shooter to step right in the following year, and I don't really want to go that route. You can't live without 3 shooters in college basketball.

So what Shaunguth said would be my ideal get too for the last scholie, now if that shooter happened to be 6'4-6'8 and athletic like amckillip wants that would be a perfect world. But we need a 3 shooter for the following year first IMO. That is why JW would have been perfect here as an athletic tall guy who can shoot.....Oh well.


I agree, we need a shooter. Actually if we could a great 6'3'' Guard that can nail the three and can defend we would be sitting really well. Get me a JC clone!

[BUfan14]

I agree, we need a shooter. Actually if we could a great 6'3'' Guard that can nail the three and can defend we would be sitting really well. Get me a JC clone!

I'd take me a JC clone anyday! 6'5, decent defender, nails the 3. Hopefully AW can step up the way JC did his Senior year this upcoming year.

Speaking of shooters, any news on what Tyler Les will do? Is he going DIII or still considering Bradley?

I know some will disagree with me, but the kid can shoot that's for sure. He could redshirt this year, you know he would work hard and not be a problem kid, he could develop for a couple years, and could possibly become that type of shooter we are looking for in a couple years. He is 6'2, and we would get him for free. Like I said some might disagree, but I think he'd be a great get. It's a no lose situation for Bradley, what's not to like?

[shaunguth]

I didn't say DC banged inside, I said he had a great body for a big man. No one really knows how much MO 'bangs' inside, so what your point here?

If we can get 18 mpg, someone who can play D against the other bigs, get his fair share of rebounds and command attention inside then I'll be completely satisfied. I also hope he is not shy about commanding the paint.

I know this may not be completely accurate, but it's one of the only reports I've seen. We can only hope this is an accurate description!

From ESPN......

February, 2010: Ocherobia has a phenomenal, college ready body with long arms, wide shoulders, great muscle mass, and definition in both his upper and lower body. He is exceptionally strong and equally physical. He loves to bang inside the paint and is consequently a very good post defender.

[ph]

I agree let the last ride roll over. I believe Harris will be on campus next year along with Stewart. We lose SM and AW. If Harris and Stewart get those two rides the last one would be the roll over. It is not manditory to roll it over but I think it is only used on an impact transfer if it is used on this recruiting class.

Did DD learn how to get a 6th year from SS to play in 11/12 ;)

[Chico]

I know this may not be completely accurate, but it's one of the only reports I've seen. We can only hope this is an accurate description!

From ESPN......

February, 2010: Ocherobia has a phenomenal, college ready body with long arms, wide shoulders, great muscle mass, and definition in both his upper and lower body. He is exceptionally strong and equally physical. He loves to bang inside the paint and is consequently a very good post defender.

If this is accurate, he is a great find and welcome aboard MO. We haven't had a banger inside since Matt Salley. Took me awhile to appreciate him, but the Braves could have used him the last couple years.

[lake Camelot]

I have no idea if we are recruiting him (Patrik Auda). I just see he is highly rated. He is big, but also supposed to be a good shooter out to three point line. I haven't seen that he committed anywhere else yet. He is called a high major prospect. Sounds a little like JW but more inside oriented and not called a good ball handler. I have been watching hoping our name would be linked with him also.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=104737&season=2010&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d104 737%26season%3d2010

[AZ BU Fan]

Good news for the Braves!

Actually there has been a string of good news for BU MBB post 2009-10 let down, with a new AD who seems BB friendly, an experienced asst coach, possibility of another asst coach who could really help recruiting, DS, WL, and now MO.

At 20 yrs old, with 4 yrs of eligibility, BU is going BYU with Mo (and SH)! BU will end up with a "man" in the middle when MO shows and stays till graduation.

No pressure on MO to produce in yr one, recall even POB needed a season and a half to grow into the position.

Welcome to BU MO, we welcome you with (slightly shorter) open arms...

So as not to get confused with ex coach Mo and new recruit MO, may need to come up with a nickname for MO.... perhaps the "Island Intimidator"...

BU should be picky and patient with its last scholly and only use it if they can find a shooter who can create his own shot or a big C/F who could be special in 2011 and beyond.

[thefish7]

Ocherobia is in our commitments forum now? Does that mean his LOI is in and I missed it somehow?

[Da Coach]

It's been reported he has verbally committed. We haven't heard anything more.

[thefish7]

It's been reported he has verbally committed. We haven't heard anything more.

Where was that-- I guess I missed it.

[lake Camelot]

I heard a member of the board say he had comitted. I haven't seen it in print or online anywhere else. Although I assume it is true.

[shaunguth]

I heard a member of the board say he had comitted. I haven't seen it in print or online anywhere else. Although I assume it is true.

Same here. I've been waiting to see the news from another source to confirm it before adding him to the scholarship grid.

[Da Coach]

Actually, here is the only public report so far. It's at the bottom of this column.-
http://www.bradleyhoops.com/homepage/x57977992/Brooks-departing-BU-staff

[lake Camelot]

Not trying to argue, because I think he is comitted. But that doesn't say anything about him being a comit.

[DeltaBrave03]

http://www.europeanprospects.com/information-database/ncaa-recruiting-europe-based-played/#more-1101

This site now has him listed as "decided" not sure why they don't use verballed. It links to BUBravesBlogger, not sure how official that makes it just throwing it out there.

[mexicobufan]

If I counted right the CBA school mens team has 8 kids that are 6 foot 8 inches or taller with three at 7 feet or taller. Could this turn into a solid pipeline for future BU big men?

Lets hope so.

[lake Camelot]

That was a thought I had also.

[peoriaspitfire]

I have no idea if we are recruiting him (Patrik Auda). I just see he is highly rated. He is big, but also supposed to be a good shooter out to three point line. I haven't seen that he committed anywhere else yet. He is called a high major prospect. Sounds a little like JW but more inside oriented and not called a good ball handler. I have been watching hoping our name would be linked with him also.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=104737&season=2010&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d104 737%26season%3d2010

He Definitely sounds interesting to me...

"Patrik Auda (6′9, Czech Republic) impressed us the most and was selected to the All-Tournament Team, averaging over 17 points and nine rebounds. Auda has a versatile game and will likely be a swingman in college."

http://netscoutsbasketball.com/blog/2010/02/26/english-players-at-the-national-prep-school-basketball-invitational-canarias-basketball-academy/

[PeoriaLou]

It just so happens we have an open scholly and we could use a player like Auda. Interesting....

[Future Walk-On]

Some of those 7 footers were in this year's class too.

One was like 7'1" 290 lbs :eek:

[thefish7]

I'm guessing Coach Les took a good look at all these kids. Be great if Auda impressed him and vice versa. We'll have to see, I guess.

[BUfan14]

I'm guessing Coach Les took a good look at all these kids. Be great if Auda impressed him and vice versa. We'll have to see, I guess.

Looks like Auda is another lefty too, like WL. While not a big deal, I thought it always throws off defenses a little, particularly shot blockers to have a couple lefties.

Good perimeter skill set, strong, athletic, 6'9, lefty. Looks impressive to me anyway! :D

Sounds like this would be a very good pipeline to have mexicobufan.

[real fan]

Would like to hear good news soon about him being ok"d to sign and play at BU.

[Da Coach]

Michael Ocherobia's teammate at the Canarias Basketball Academy, Czech Patrik Auda, has signed a Letter of Intent to attend Seton Hall-
http://www.zagsblog.com/2010/05/18/auda-turns-down-pros-for-seton-hall/

[Future Walk-On]

Michael Ocherobia's teammate at the Canarias Basketball Academy, Czech Patrik Auda, has signed a Letter of Intent to attend Seton Hall-
http://www.zagsblog.com/2010/05/18/auda-turns-down-pros-for-seton-hall/

i am assuming if his teammate can sign.......something is wrong and screw this.

[BostonBird]

So is there any press or confirmation that this kid actually committed other than the posters on this site?

[Da Coach]

No confirmation, but not surprising, since schools are not allowed to comment on recruits until they sign or are enrolled. But he has verbally committed.

[BostonBird]

No confirmation is not surprising? seems like a bizarre statement. So was it unusual or out of the ordinary when there were stories of walter lemon committing? or donivine stewart?

every commit i know of is confirmed in local papers, scout, rivals, espn, etc, regardless of the coach or school being able to comment.

Kid seems like he has potential, its just there is nothing that says he's committed.

[Da Coach]

This kid is from another country. It makes a bit of a difference. I haven't been reading their local papers in the Canarias.

If what you are saying is true, then how did we know that Anthony Cousin verballed to Illinois State on or before April 1st?-
http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=177452#post177452

And here is the first mention of the kid's name in the BN media, nearly a week later-
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/article_71993256-4262-11df-9dfb-001cc4c03286.html

As I said, the school cannot talk about a recruit until they have a signed LOI, of he enrolls or signs a scholarship agreement, so there won't be any confirmation until this happens.

[mexicobufan]

I know everyone is worried about getting MO but doesnt it say something that he did not sign a LOI with any other school? It would seem to me his verbal is good and the only worry is getting him cleared by the NCAA.........

[BostonBird]

This kid is from another country. It makes a bit of a difference. I haven't been reading their local papers in the Canarias.

If what you are saying is true, then how did we know that Anthony Cousin verballed to Illinois State on or before April 1st?-
http://bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=177452#post177452

And here is the first mention of the kid's name in the BN media, nearly a week later-
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/article_71993256-4262-11df-9dfb-001cc4c03286.html

As I said, the school cannot talk about a recruit until they have a signed LOI, of he enrolls or signs a scholarship agreement, so there won't be any confirmation until this happens.

fair point on cousins coach. we did have his facebook page, but you're right, no official confirmation till he signed.

not sold on the you're not reading the newspapers from the canary islands...the internet proliferates the information regardless of where its originally from. (i tried to check through those papers specifically though and didn't see anything.

i wasn't trying to start anything, just trying to size up competition and see if there was any new confirmation. the combo of him and the new kid davis gives you guys some serious size and beef down low for fouls if nothing else their first year.

[real fan]

I know everyone is worried about getting MO but doesnt it say something that he did not sign a LOI with any other school? It would seem to me his verbal is good and the only worry is getting him cleared by the NCAA.........

I agree that I believe he wants to still come and play for BU, hopefully he gets cleared soon so he can get in on summer session 2.

[Future Walk-On]

I agree that I believe he wants to still come and play for BU, hopefully he gets cleared soon so he can get in on summer session 2.

I've heard he is still coming.....

[RedSeaElite1]

yeah, but we also heard that JW was still coming and we all know how that ended up. I still hope MO comes, but i'm not gonna fret over it. i hope AD can be some help but i think we still have a good team and should do some amazing things next year.

[AZ BU Fan]

Something just doesn't feel right re the MO recruiting saga.

If this were a simple matter of confirming scholastic accomplishments, or, vetting amateur status, don't understand the total media blackout, lack of any info from the kid or his handlers, or any info from the NCAA. From everything I read, other off shore players have come into US college programs from this high school/prep school organization..

I also don't buy into the NCAA conspiracy thing about BU recruiting off shore players vs major program schools. Gonzaga has recruited extensvely off shore and isn't considered a "major" school, or from a "major conference". Haven't heard/seen anything about NCAA jerking them around....

I think the default mode is MO has not committed to BU yet, unlike JW who publicaly stated he wanted to play for BU before dumping BU for ISU.

It will be a flat out recruiting coup/bonus if MO ends up committing to the Braves. I hope he decides BU is his best option so we can give him the attention he deserves!

[Future Walk-On]

yeah, but we also heard that JW was still coming and we all know how that ended up. I still hope MO comes, but i'm not gonna fret over it. i hope AD can be some help but i think we still have a good team and should do some amazing things next year.

Yeah.....but the fact that his prep academy had sent so many other kids to D-1..makes you optimistic that they work similar situations out.

Funny: You reason for editing your post is grammar....yet you spelled grammar "grammer"

:lol:

[RedSeaElite1]

Yeah.....but the fact that his prep academy had sent so many other kids to D-1..makes you optimistic that they work similar situations out.

Funny: You reason for editing your post is grammar....yet you spelled grammar "grammer"

:lol:

haha yeah if you havent noticed i'm not an english major, but what i typed before mad absolutely no sense so i figured i'd change it haha

[AZ BU Fan]

Awfully quiet on the MO front.

Can't seem to find anything about MO on the Internet re college recruiting, at least on the free sites...

Any good rumors floating around?

Is no news good news for the Braves re this possible recruit?

[Future Walk-On]

Awfully quiet on the MO front.

Can't seem to find anything about MO on the Internet re college recruiting, at least on the free sites...

Any good rumors floating around?

Is no news good news for the Braves re this possible recruit?

I am refusing to think about MO at all right now.

[mexicobufan]

Does anyone know if he has ever visited the Bradley campus?

[shaunguth]

Is no news good news for the Braves re this possible recruit?

I'm thinking so......since less than two weeks ago JL said we are currently recruiting him. Hopefully, just waiting on the paper process to go through and he's able to enroll.

[Future Walk-On]

Does anyone know if he has ever visited the Bradley campus?

doubt it?

[tornado]

So to me the natural question now would be... Is BU done for this recruiting period?
...


nope - the busiest "recruiting period" of the year is just beginning...and our guys will be out and all over the place...
http://www.sportingnews.com/college-basketball/article/2010-06-30/coaches-search-high-low-evaluation-period-begins

[Da Coach]

However, recruiting for 2010 recruits is over, except the possibility of a transfer.

[Fansince69]

I'll be very disappointed if MO does not come to BU but if a transfer is looking to come to BU, I hope he is a big man. Can anyone say if this possible transfer is a guard, center or forward ?

[Da Coach]

It would probably be a guard for a couple reasons-
There aren't many transfers available who are quality big men, but there are several very good guards available.
If a transfer came to Bradley, they would have to sit out a year, and would not be available until 2011-2012. Since Bradley will lose 3 seniors after this coming season, all guards (Dunson, Maniscalco, Warren), a quality D1 guard to replace them would be our biggest need then.

[thefish7]

However, recruiting for 2010 recruits is over, except the possibility of a transfer.

So does that mean we're done as far as Ochereobia is concerned also? Or you meant done on recruiting non-MO/non-transfer players for 2010?

[Da Coach]

The MO situation is still open.

[SFP]

The MO situation is still open.

Until we make another commitment or JL says something that states we are not I will believe that we are still working that angle. :D What we need on this board is someone with connections that works at the NCAA. It would be nice to know where they are at in the process of getting him cleared. Does anyone know what the process is to getting an overseas player eligible?

[Da Coach]

It would be nice to know where they are at in the process

Again, I could be wrong, but I am not sure the NCAA is even involved yet with MO. They don't begin their clearinghouse process untill the athlete is admitted to the university, and then the school submits their academic information to them.

[PeoriaLou]

Again, I could be wrong, but I am not sure the NCAA is even involved yet with MO. They don't begin their clearinghouse process untill the athlete is admitted to the university, and then the school submits their academic information to them.

If that's the case here, It could be August before we know the final outcome.

[Da Coach]

However, recruiting for 2010 recruits is over, except the possibility of a transfer.

There is a clue regarding one possible transfer buried in this HS basketball column-
http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsreport/2010/07/heyday_of_morris_cc_and_ibca_a.html

[LittleBrave]

Looks as though he had a very rough freshman season.
Not so sure about this kid.

[Future Walk-On]

MO 50/50 maybe JUCO?

confirm/deny?

[Da Coach]

More like 100%.
Highland CC in Freeport.

[lake Camelot]

My hopes of a better season just went down 100% also.

I know people will disagree with me and hate my comment, but we are worse off inside this year so without MO I am not optimistic.

[Future Walk-On]

MO = JUCO
JUCO = ISU

MO = ISU

we tried guys. we should pat ourselves on the back.

[Da Coach]

There were other reasons JW ended up at ISU rather than BU, and those issues are not relevant with MO.

BTW- here is Highland's scheudle for the 2010-2011 season. Maybe fans will want to check out MO? They play games as close as in Kewanee, Oglesby, and Galesburg, as well as their home games in Freeport, Illinois.-
http://www.highland.edu/athletics/m_basketball/m_basketball_schedule.asp

[OrangeandBlack74]

My hopes of a better season just went down 100% also.

I know people will disagree with me and hate my comment, but we are worse off inside this year so without MO I am not optimistic.

Yep...might as well just write off the season, cuz SS doesn't have another year of eligibility. Should we just make our reservations for the 4-5 game in STL? ;)

[PTownHawkeye]

Maybe I just a pessimist, but I can't figure any scenerio where MO is an instant impact player as a freshman, nor will I believe that he would be the difference between a good and great team. From everything we have heard, he would be a good get, but the number of impact bigs in the mid-major ranks are minimal. At least now we get a chance to see him play. Is is possible that he ends up going somewhere at the high-major level after knocking his competition around for 2 years at JUCO? Sure.

The much more likely scenerio is he gets to hone his skills in the US, is a solid inside player, and will hopefully have loyalty to BU. Then hopefully he will come in as an impact JUCO in 2 years...because unlike under the radar freshmen, we have a history of finding JUCO players who can be an instant impact players for Bradley.

[real fan]

I wonder if going there will help prepare him for major college ball; wish him well and hope he ends up at BU in the future.

[Braveman]

Is this the same Highland where one-time BU recruit Devan Bawinkel coaches?

[Da Coach]

I wonder if going there will help prepare him for major college ball; wish him well and hope he ends up at BU in the future.

Most players benefit from playing at a junior college. I think MO will.

[wily coyote]

Most players benefit from playing at a junior college. I think MO will. Will he be at the JC one year or two? If he was a non predictor it has to be two I think.

[Da Coach]

Will he be at the JC one year or two? If he was a non predictor it has to be two I think.

I am not an expert, but I believe the only athletes that can leave juco without a degree are those who qualified out of high school. So he would probably have to spend 2 years there.

[SFP]

Maybe I just a pessimist, but I can't figure any scenerio where MO is an instant impact player as a freshman, nor will I believe that he would be the difference between a good and great team. From everything we have heard, he would be a good get, but the number of impact bigs in the mid-major ranks are minimal. At least now we get a chance to see him play. Is is possible that he ends up going somewhere at the high-major level after knocking his competition around for 2 years at JUCO? Sure.

The much more likely scenerio is he gets to hone his skills in the US, is a solid inside player, and will hopefully have loyalty to BU. Then hopefully he will come in as an impact JUCO in 2 years...because unlike under the radar freshmen, we have a history of finding JUCO players who can be an instant impact players for Bradley.

Mo is a bit different then a typical Freshmen in that he is a bit older and already has the physical body to pound out punishment. Most Freshmen bigs cannot contribute due to their physical maturity not their skills.

[Braves4Life]

Losing MO will have NO bearing on this season. We will still be good! We will finish in the top 3 in the MVC! And, we will be Dancin' come March! :)

[lake Camelot]

Losing MO will have NO bearing on this season. We will still be good! We will finish in the top 3 in the MVC! And, we will be Dancin' come March! :)


That is either sarcasm or I totally disagree. I am not saying he would be stupendous. I just think he is exactly the type of player we needed. Walter Lemon may be a better player. But MO was what this team lacked- inside defense and rebounding. I think it is a huge difference in what I expect from the team now.

[SFP]

That is either sarcasm or I totally disagree. I am not saying he would be stupendous. I just think he is exactly the type of player we needed. Walter Lemon may be a better player. But MO was what this team lacked- inside defense and rebounding. I think it is a huge difference in what I expect from the team now.

I fall some where in between you and B4L. I believe Mo could of given this team the inside presence defensively we have been lacking. It will now be up to the ones we have to see if they can make a difference. Can JP and AT step up to the plate and deliver the presence. We pretty much know what we have with WE and I expect more from him after one more year removed from his knee surgery but unless he gained 20 lbs I still cannot see him as a inside enforcer. We also need him to stay out of foul trouble because he does offer the team a valuable asset on the offensive side.

[real fan]

Mo is a bit different then a typical Freshmen in that he is a bit older and already has the physical body to pound out punishment. Most Freshmen bigs cannot contribute due to their physical maturity not their skills.

I agree 100% with your statement, too many people continue to think that A.T. is going to be some miracle player all of a sudden when I just don"t see it happening because he is not a tough or aggressive type player which leaves us with Will and Jordan, hopefully jordan can contribute like we were told he could when they signed him a year ago.

[Future Walk-On]

I'm just gonna hope our guards shoot 95% from the floor.

[Da Coach]

Dave Reynolds writes about Michael Ochereobia at Highland junior college-
http://www.pjstar.com/sports/x863072496/Ex-BU-recruit-at-junior-college

[tornado]

The head coach at Highland is Zac Roman, and the assistant is Devan Bawinkel
Long, long time head coach Pete Norman retired in 2009 and assistant Ronnie Dean coached
on an interim basis last year so Zac Roman is new this season...
http://www.highland.edu/news_events/announcements.asp?newsid=636

D'Mitri Riggs is a soph there and it's the juco Angelo Flanders attended

Highland is the 2nd winningest juco program in the nation behind Chipola over the past 5 years (153-22)

[Braveman]

Darn the NCAA for conspiring against BU- oh wait... DR said he didn't meet academic requirements at Bradley...

Well never mind- I am sure the NCAA had something to do with this....

:)

[mexicobufan]

I must be missing part of the story? Does he mention still coming to BU after JC and will he need to be there two years?

[tornado]

here's an article from the Freeport newspaper..and even mentions Ochereobia as far back as more than two weeks ago...
(spelling his name correctly..)
That's about the time that we knew Ochereobia signed...and we've been talking about him going to Highland for the past week...

but note that the story mentions another kid going to Highland, a 6-4 wing player out of Dallas, TX...
http://www.journalstandard.com/sports/college/x4598708/Bawinkel-back-as-assistant-coach

[Da Coach]

I must be missing part of the story? Does he mention still coming to BU after JC and will he need to be there two years?

He will need to graduate with a degree in order to be eligible to go to a D1 school. That probably means 2 years at juco. Nothing has been said about him coming to BU then. Any commitment now is meaningless as we saw with the Xavier Crawford and John Wilkins situations.

[tornado]

There are examples of kids who go to juco and keep their commitment to BU but somehow nobody ever remembers those kids ..:roll:

[thefish7]

T, honestly can't come up with any who did... Who has?

[tornado]

Cellus, Dodie, Chris Roberts even verbaled long before his sophomore season started

[thefish7]

Uh what? Those guys didn't make a commitment to Bradley, go somewhere else, and then honor the old commitment to Bradley.

[tornado]

Cellus sorta did....but it happens all over the place....
didn't ISU lose a few, too....Dentmon, Dunson, Cornelius....and SIU lost Tabb when he went to prep school and then somewhere else...
and even one that ISU sent off to juco and DID get back in return, Bobby Hill, didn't exactly work out too well for them, did it?? Mighta just been better had he not come back to ISU, I'd say...
Hey -- if Ocherobia wants to come 7000 miles to go to juco in Freeport, then reopen his recruitment -- frankly I can't see a thing we can do about it unless you want to fret and worry...so go ahead.......
This is NOT like the story with Wilkins -- a few antics caused BU to back out before ISU was even involved...ISU (& JW) might think they have a future NBA star, but they might have more than they bargained for.

[thefish7]

I don't know where I said any of that...? I was just trying to come up with anyone who committed to Bradley, ended up at Juco or Prep School but still came to BU and couldn't think of anyone. I just figure it's unlikely that MO will come to BU at this point... No fault of anyone's, just based on what's happened with other kids we had that didn't qualify.

[tornado]

I know -- never meant to say you made any such claims -- just that it is COMMON for kids who don't qualify to suddenly get other, MORE, and maybe better & more interesting offers once they go to juco and finally get eligible...

So it stands to reason that a good percentage of them once they spend a couple years at juco have a different feeling about the whole recruiting thing and maybe choose elsewhere -- obviously knowing they are not bound by anything previously...
Buycks is a perfect example -- from the time he was a little kid he dreamed of playing in front of his hometown Milwaukee...but they didn't want him out of high schol so he verballed to BU -- a pretty decent choice given the options...
Once in juco -- his stock soared, he got the coveted offer from MU, and I can't imagine anyone would have expected him to turn it down and come to BU anyway - since neither he NOR Bradley were bound one iota by the previous scholarship offer and verbal.......
and as I pointed out -- sometimes, as in the Wilkins, Stemler, Dunson, Tabb cases....maybe the original school fills their rides and no longer is pursuing..

But -- Cellus is an example of one who went to juco - knowing his destination was going to be Bradley and he stuck to it and did not change, even though he had NATIONALLY prominent scoring stats and was getting other calls!

[real fan]

I expect to see Michael in a BU uniform after J.C. as it is a great fit for him and Bradley.

[tornado]

In case anyone is interested...Michael's Highland Cougars play...

-in Mattoon, IL (Lake Land) Nov. 12-13
-in Kewanee, IL (Black Hawk East) Jan. 11
-Oglesby, IL (IVCC) Jan. 18
-Dixon, IL (Sauk Valley) Feb.1
-Galesburg, IL (Carl Sandburg) Feb. 3
-in Kankakee, IL (Kankakee CC) Feb. 12
-Feb. 26-Mar. 5 - Regionals are in Dixon

[Future Walk-On]

In case anyone is interested...Michael's Highland Cougars play...

-in Mattoon, IL (Lake Land) Nov. 12-13
-in Kewanee, IL (Black Hawk East) Jan. 11
-Oglesby, IL (IVCC) Jan. 18
-Dixon, IL (Sauk Valley) Feb.1
-Galesburg, IL (Carl Sandburg) Feb. 3
-in Kankakee, IL (Kankakee CC) Feb. 12
-Feb. 26-Mar. 5 - Regionals are in Dixon

definitely want to hit up galesburg or kewanee.

[tornado]

Here is the Highland CC roster...
Clark, Monterale Milwaukee, WI
Danforth, Jr., Joseph Rockford, IL
Durham, Steven Milwaukee, WI
Firmin, Geoffrey Brussells, Belgium
Hodnett , Lamont Milwaukee, WI
Johnson, James Milwaukee, WI
Kates, David Cedar Hill, TX
McKeown, Danny Milwaukee, WI
Ochereobia, Ifeanyichukwu London, England
Smith, Leron Chicago, IL (Morgan Park)
Tuluka-Mfumupembe, Alex Mons, Belgium
Williams, Torrieo Hopkins, MN

[Future Walk-On]

Here is the Highland CC roster...
Clark, Monterale Milwaukee, WI
Danforth, Jr., Joseph Rockford, IL
Durham, Steven Milwaukee, WI
Firmin, Geoffrey Brussells, Belgium
Hodnett , Lamont Milwaukee, WI
Johnson, James Milwaukee, WI
Kates, David Cedar Hill, TX
McKeown, Danny Milwaukee, WI
Ochereobia, Ifeanyichukwu London, England
Smith, Leron Chicago, IL (Morgan Park)
Tuluka-Mfumupembe, Alex Mons, Belgium
Williams, Torrieo Hopkins, MN

So Michael is his English name?

[tornado]

He has used Michael for the past couple years but his given name before that was different, and thus likely the name on his passport is Ifeanyichukwu

http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=ENG&PlayerID=156764

[LittleBrave]

He has used Michael for the past couple years but his given name before that was different, and thus likely the name on his passport is Ifeanyichukwu

http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=ENG&PlayerID=156764

I always thought his chances of playing at BU this season were..."Ifea".

[Future Walk-On]

I always thought his chances of playing at BU this season were..."Ifea".


I thought it was "Iffy" ?

[jeffsu]

I thought it was "Iffy" ?

Was a pun based on MO's given name:
Ochereobia, Ifeanyichukwu London, England

[Future Walk-On]

Was a pun based on MO's given name:
Ochereobia, Ifeanyichukwu London, England

:oops: WOW

[tornado]

Michael Ochereobia has a couple fine games in a row for Hughland juco...
9 pts-8 rebs earlier this week, and 11 points last night

Mike is the guy setting the screen here (#50 - but number not visible)
http://www.journalstandard.com/sports/x1714277853/Cougars-dominate-younger-Australian-team?photo=1

Highland is now 9-3

[AZ BU Fan]

BU still interested in MO?

[Future Walk-On]

BU still interested in MO?

talked to him. he told me he plans on being here in 2012-2013

told me to tell everyone at BU hi and good luck this year. .......hope this isn't a JW repeat!

[shaunguth]

talked to him. he told me he plans on being here in 2012-2013

told me to tell everyone at BU hi and good luck this year. .......hope this isn't a JW repeat!

What a big team we would have for two years beginning in 2012-13....Prosser, Davis, Wells, and Ocherobia. :-o

[Future Walk-On]

What a big team we would have for two years beginning in 2012-13....Prosser, Davis, Wells, and Ocherobia. :-o

IMO. If everyone shows up...2012-2013 is the year!

[AZ BU Fan]

Now, if SM and TB get hurt again next year, and get another Medical Hardship RS season out of it, 2012-13 WILL be the year for BU! ;-)

[tornado]

He Definitely sounds interesting to me...

"Patrik Auda (6′9, Czech Republic) impressed us the most and was selected to the All-Tournament Team, averaging over 17 points and nine rebounds. Auda has a versatile game and will likely be a swingman in college."

http://netscoutsbasketball.com/blog/2010/02/26/english-players-at-the-national-prep-school-basketball-invitational-canarias-basketball-academy/


Ochereobia's teammate from the Canarias Academy, Patrick Auda, is having a great summer...
http://www.zagsblog.com/2011/08/17/seton-halls-auda-excelling-in-world-university-games/

[Future Walk-On]

Is BU still involved with MO at all?

[tornado]

I am inclined to believe yes - MO just left London Tuesday and arrived back in Rockford ready for his sophomore season at Highland CC
here is their schedule this year - http://www.highland.edu/athletics/m_basketball/m_basketball_schedule.asp
..all their games are on a live webcast...

[real fan]

I am inclined to believe yes - MO just left London Tuesday and arrived back in Rockford ready for his sophomore season at Highland CC
here is their schedule this year - http://www.highland.edu/athletics/m_basketball/m_basketball_schedule.asp
..all their games are on a live webcast...

We only have 2 scholarships left, if his numbers do not improve by a lot I doubt we offer him.

[tornado]

Obviously his stats were affected by playing behind the guy who was the starting "5" who averaged - 14.3 ppg/7.2 rpg...yet his numbers were as good as other juco All American post players had in their freshman seasons.

Other top frontcourt players like Phillip Jurick (11 pts/13 rebs), Anthony Hubbard (21 pts/10 rebs), and College of Southern Idaho's Kenny Buckner (12 ppg/9.5 rpg) who got TOP BCS offers...

only averaged a fraction of those numbers when they were freshmen...
In fact Hubbard's freshman numbers were far worse than Michael Ochereobia's
http://njcaa.org/colleges_college_player.cfm?sid=4&collegeid=1314&category=Roster&slid=2&teamid=93216&athleteid=281536

Also -- BU is keeping an eye on Paul Bunch at College of Southern Idaho -- but he only averaged 3 ppg/3 rebs as a freshman and much more is expected this year.

[gerry]

Not sure of the Paul Bunch situation....sounded well at first..then after talking to several people about him and not hearing good things.....more off the court than on the court issues...which we dont need....and remember we need a center who can come in and play and make a impact immediately..can almost guarantee you wont see Bunch in a Bradley uniform.

[wily coyote]

Not sure of the Paul Bunch situation....sounded well at first..then after talking to several people about him and not hearing good things.....more off the court than on the court issues...which we dont need....and remember we need a center who can come in and play and make a impact immediately..can almost guarantee you wont see Bunch in a Bradley uniform.

Gerry, I'm glad to hear we are no longer after Bunch. I saw him play in HS and was not impressed then. I talked to two officials who worked some of his games in HS and they both said he wasn't the hardest worker they've ever seen. Hopefully we can do better at the "5" then him.

[tornado]

Just heard that Michael Ochereobia is back on campus and working out...
He is one of three returning players who had considerable experience as freshmen last year...
... JD Danforth (6-1 sg), Michael Ochereobia (6-8 F/C) and Elliott Johnson (6-7 F)

Junior college teams can start practicing on October 1..and can have workouts with trainers as soon as school starts.

[Braves4Life]

Just heard that Michael Ochereobia is back on campus and working out...


What would you estimate the odds are of him ever wearing a Braves uniform?

[tornado]

former BU recruit Mike Ochereobia has now been getting a chance to start & play a lot at the post for Highland CC and is really beginning to produce..

In his last two games he has stood out..

Last Friday against Elgin CC Mike went 5-9 and 5-6 on FT's & had 15 pts & 15 rebs
http://www.journalstandard.com/sports/college/x536734070/Late-run-leads-Highland-past-Elgin

Then Saturday vs. Ellsworth CC he had 8 pts, 11 rebs

Just speculating but I think it's at least possible he could land out west at a certain school.

[wily coyote]

former BU recruit Mike Ochereobia has now been getting a chance to start & play a lot at the post for Highland CC and is really beginning to produce..

In his last two games he has stood out..

Last Friday against Elgin CC Mike went 5-9 and 5-6 on FT's & had 15 pts & 15 rebs
http://www.journalstandard.com/sports/college/x536734070/Late-run-leads-Highland-past-Elgin

Then Saturday vs. Ellsworth CC he had 8 pts, 11 rebs

Just speculating but I think it's at least possible he could land out west at a certain school.

I would like to see him in a BU uni but if not out West would be his second best option.

[real fan]

Maybe Michael could join S.S. next season.

[tornado]

Michael Ochereobia is off the boards....LINK (https://twitter.com/#!/xb7/status/167371923993534464)

[sam hannam]

Were we still recruiting him?

[tornado]

doubtful but nobody can really say for sure