New 2011 commit -Nate Wells

[ser_solace]

According to pjstar.

http://www.bradleyhoops.com/news/x1172103018/BU-gets-commitment-from-7-footer

[Beninator]

Wow... Does anybody have any info on this guy?

[lightsout]

found a video of the new 7 footer.

http://www.qctimes.tv/p/?section=video&id=8701207

[thefish7]

That video's about the only thing I've found so far. A few mentions of him and his team here and there but it doesn't look like he's in any of the recruiting sites. A couple of the articles indicate his team is bad.. Like 4-20 bad, so that could be a reason he's under the radar.

[Future Walk-On]

Wow out of the blue (i understand, i understand)

but our team will be TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL TALL

[dogsrus]

Is he BH tall or POB tall......

[Future Walk-On]

7'0"
6'10"
6'10"
6'9"
6'9"
6'9"
6'7"
6'7"
6'5"
6'4"
6'4"
6'3"
5'11"

Something like that!

[Buesch N Chips]

You can't coach size, I guess. Recruit the big guys and teach em how to play basketball.

[Buesch N Chips]

Plays for the Iowa Mavericks...

http://www.iowamavs.com/roster.html

[Buesch N Chips]

Had 113 blocked shots as a junior.

http://www.iahsaa.org/basketball/Archives/bb_Reb_Blocks.pdf

[Braves4Life]

This kid is just outside the Top 30 in Iowa for the 2010 Class. I'm guessing he's a "project" with a LOT of development needed.

But hey, that's OK, he's got 4 years. Welcome to The Hilltop big fella! :)

[Buesch N Chips]

Shot 47.6% as a junior (59-124)

[Buesch N Chips]

Was honorable mention all conference as a junior.

http://clintonherald.com/sports/x1029316384/Johnson-tops-list-of-All-MAC-River-Kings

[Beninator]

Most definitely... Welcome to Bradley Nate!

[Heemeskerk]

sounds like a redshirt.

Hopefully not another James Baptist.

[amckillip]

You can't coach size, I guess. Recruit the big guys and teach em how to play basketball.

This used to be the only thing Bobby Knight said that I believed. DC and AT have proven me (and him) wrong IMO...

I will concede this could be due to coaching with AT, I'm not sure we have or have had a good bigs coach, nor have we done much to find one(except for Big B). DC was the best big Bradley has ever had as far as size, build, and speed IMO. But I am 10x more coordinated than him, he was uncoachable...

[thefish7]

Seems like he's definitely an unknown anyway. Welcome to Bradley, Nate!

[Out of Balance]

7' :-o, No BS,:D:D:D Davenport West is no small school:D Where was Drake or Northen Iowa:? Must be a project but that's OK:D
7', No shit:D:D:D

[BU FAMILY]

Wouldn't this put an end to any of our current seniors taking a medical redshirt this year (if that were necessary)? With this commitment, aren't we at our scholarship limit for next year?

[amckillip]

Wouldn't this put an end to any of our current seniors taking a medical redshirt this year (if that were necessary)? With this commitment, aren't we at our scholarship limit for next year?

Yep, but this is the smallest of any concern we could possibly have at this moment. I could easily see a departure or two at the moment.

[Da Coach]

Wouldn't this put an end to any of our current seniors taking a medical redshirt this year (if that were necessary)? With this commitment, aren't we at our scholarship limit for next year?

Yes, if everyone returns next year who has not completed their eligibility, and if all recruits qualify and enroll, we will be at 13 scholarships.

However, if a senior redshirts (only Sam M. is eligible since AW and DD have already used medical redshirts), he would be able to return next year even if there wasn't a scholarship available. He and his family would just have to pay their own way or apply for academic scholarships like most other Bradley students.

[BU FAMILY]

Yep, but this is the smallest of any concern we could possibly have at this moment. I could easily see a departure or two at the moment.

The regular season hasn't even started yet and you can already see a departure or two?

[bugregshu]

The regular season hasn't even started yet and you can already see a departure or two?

Find me a year recently where there wasn't a departure.

[amckillip]

The regular season hasn't even started yet and you can already see a departure or two?

When was the last time we didn't have one?

[Big Mike]

Welcome to BU Nate! :D

[BU FAMILY]

When was the last time we didn't have one?

Can't recall the last time we didn't lose a scholarship player shortly after the end of the season. When I read your reply about "easily seeing a departure or two", I thought you were making a SPECIFIC reference about a player or two that may already be contemplating leaving........but I do AGREE with you - if history repeats itself, we'll most likely have a scholarship opening up in March or April. Wecome to BU Nate!!

[BradleyBrave]

Some people were certain POB was a redshirt candidate his freshman year. We'll see how he matures between now and next year. The 7 foot center from Cornell last year didn't have any DI offers out of high school, and the 7 footer from St. Mary's had very little fanfare going into college as well. Like the size a lot. Now get 'em here and coach 'em up.

[Beninator]

Some people were certain POB was a redshirt candidate his freshman year. We'll see how he matures between now and next year. The 7 foot center from Cornell last year didn't have any DI offers out of high school, and the 7 footer from St. Mary's had very little fanfare going into college as well. Like the size a lot. Now get 'em here and coach 'em up.
Agree. Also with WE, JP, and AD here next year, I think that Nate will have an extra year to get acclimated!

[Da Coach]

Nate is #53 in case you couldn't guess-

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/westboosters/Boys%20Basketball/image3369.jpg

[romar]

is this 6th grade???

If you listen to the video posted, he says that he grew 4" over the past year and that his Dr's are guessing he'll grow another 2 1/2 " or so.

[AZ BU Fan]

Why not take a chance on Nate?

He could turn out to be another DC/AT, or, another POB/Bayo....

This is the chance mid majors have to take with bigs until they become established winners...

As long as he has basketball intelligence, a mean streak, a desire & work ethic to improve, and a chip on his shoulder to show the big boys he was overlooked.

Welcome to BU Big Fella!

[houstontxbrave]

He looks like Scott Behrends.

Anyway, I like that we have decided to go taller in our recruiting. Our size is going to be very impressive the next couple of years.

I am just wondering where this is coming from? Davis and now Wells tall projects. This is not how Les has recruited at Bradley. Not wrong or right just very different. He must really be depending on Remy and or Harris to come in and contribute right now. Because with Egolf, Prosser, Davis, Wells, Milos, Eastman. Thompson... those two will be his only athletic slashing type of wings.

I just find this recruit very interesting.

[Buesch N Chips]

He looks like Scott Behrends.


He does, but I hope he lasts a little bit longer than Scott did on the hilltop. :)

[FortyTwo]

I agree, size is almost always a key component to success, but when the primary thing our bigs are asked to do is set ball screens at the 3 point line, does it matter if their 7'0 or 6'6?

Sorry, last night's game just reminded me of being so sick during the Les era of watching entire games where we have only a handful of true post entry passes where the big can make a move. Prosser can be an impact player on the block if we choose to feed him the ball and let him go to work.

My money is that doesn't happen and we'll spend a lot more time overdribbling, running a weave with dribble handoffs 30 ft. from the basket and launching contested 3's. That's not an offense Jim, it's a cry for help.

[real fan]

Anytime you can get a 7-1 player that may still be growing it is worth a shot especially since he already wants to red-shirt, one year of hopefully adding 20 to 25 lbs. and hard work could give you a chance to have another special center, I still believe A.Davis could contribute this season as he seems to move and shoot the ball very well.

[BradleyBrave]

As a whole I like the diversity of the class as far as size/projected positions. Hope the kids can play.

[Future Walk-On]

If you listen to the video posted, he says that he grew 4" over the past year and that his Dr's are guessing he'll grow another 2 1/2 " or so.

ok....i was just wondering when that picture was taken though....?

[bugregshu]

Here are a couple more pictures.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/qctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/5/51/631/551631a2-107f-58eb-b694-e62ab1adca99.image.jpg

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/qctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/8/a7/011/8a7011c3-7a00-56e6-9838-3883ff2386a7.preview-300.jpg

[BradleyBrave]

Looks like a young Chris Kaman... :D

Seriously though, I think it's awfully premature to get too high or too low on anyone. There are plenty of examples where kids like this slipped through the cracks and became stars, and plenty where the guy couldn't walk and chew gum at the same time. We won't know anything until he gets on campus and gets in a game. Welcome to BU Nate.

[Big Mike]

Now the whole story is up........

http://www.bradleyhoops.com/news/x1172103018/BU-gets-commitment-from-7-footer

[tornado]

...he would be able to return next year even if there wasn't a scholarship available. He and his family would just have to pay their own way or apply for academic scholarships like most other Bradley students.


well, under most circumstances...but recall there was a BCS school who kept 14 on scholarship and the NCAA OK'ed it...
http://huskerextra.com/sports/mens-basketball/article_aa1853b6-0cd4-552c-84c2-c949b14f2441.html



Looks like a young Chris Kaman.......
and a little like a young Jack Sikma
http://www.ihsa.org/initiatives/legends/files/Sikma,%20Jack.jpg



sounds like a redshirt....
He has...."already has agreed to a redshirt next season at BU to add weight and strength"
http://www.bradleyhoops.com/news/x1172103018/BU-gets-commitment-from-7-footer

[lake Camelot]

I know Reggie White already used it, but if he is a shot blocker he could be knicknamed "Minister of Defense"

[tornado]

I found some more info on Nate --
He was getting interest and even offers from the following schools..
Western Illinois University, United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Northern Arizona, Idaho State University,
then these D-II's were on him -- Southwest Minnesota State University, Upper Iowa University, and Augustana College.

Here is a statement from his coach:
"I am extremely proud of Nate. He is an outstanding young man who has his priorities in order.
He has done a good job academically and has shown tremendous improvement as a basketball player.
In talking with Nate, Bradley was the right fit for him in regards to academics and as a basketball player.
Nate was very impressed with his future teammates, the coaching staff, and the academic opportunities.
I look forward to working with Nate this season before he leaves for a bright future at Bradley."
In talking on numerous occasions with both Coach Les and Coach Platt, I feel Nate has made an excellent choice in Bradley.
He will be redshirted and given the opportunity to continue his skill development.
I am happy Nate has such a tremendous opportunity."

Nate Wells said this to a premium site reporter last night...
"I Would like to thank my parents for supporting me. I would also like to thank my teammates at West,
They are great guys to play with and I am proud to be their teammate.

Special thanks to Coach Ray Swetalla for working with me in the off season to develop my skills.
Thanks coach Greg Stephen, my AAU coach. And thank you Coach Mark Bigler for being a great coach
and mentor. I am excited for this season for West and im excited to be a Bradley Brave next year! "



There's also a premium article on him but I'll post that later -- in a blog...
here's a few clips..
"With a 7-foot frame, Davenport West center Nate Wells has a bright future on the basketball court.
"Overall it was a big improving year for me. I started playing basketball in seventh grade so I was behind the curve coming into high school.
There are a number of scholarship programs keeping in touch with Wells on the recruiting front.
"Upper Iowa, Bradley University, and Bemidji State has been all sending me stuff. My coach has been saying that Valparaiso is calling him."

[Out of Balance]

I agree, size is almost always a key component to success, but when the primary thing our bigs are asked to do is set ball screens at the 3 point line, does it matter if their 7'0 or 6'6?

Sorry, last night's game just reminded me of being so sick during the Les era of watching entire games where we have only a handful of true post entry passes where the big can make a move. Prosser can be an impact player on the block if we choose to feed him the ball and let him go to work.

My money is that doesn't happen and we'll spend a lot more time overdribbling, running a weave with dribble handoffs 30 ft. from the basket and launching contested 3's. That's not an offense Jim, it's a cry for help.

My Man:D:D:D

[tornado]

There's more, including another interview with Nate Wells in this blog..
http://is.gd/gPXeA

[bugregshu]

It just occurred to me that if this kid is 7'1", and if he grows a few more inches like his doctors say he could, then he could potentially be 7'2"-7'4", and one of the top 5-10 tallest D-1 players out there. That doesn't mean a whole lot in terms of basketball skill, but its still interesting. I'm sure tornado can answer this for me, but who is the tallest player in Bradley history? Just curious.

[tornado]

... I'm sure tornado can answer this for me, but who is the tallest player in Bradley history? Just curious.

Unless there's someone I don't know about -- this would obviously boil down to the only 3 players we've ever had who were 7-footers...
(we had a couple others at 6-10, 6-11)

Tom Prusator
Patrick O'Bryant
Brandyn Heemskerk..
and Brandyn was a full 2 inches taller than POB, so I suspect he was 7-2 and is our tallest player ever, even tho he was listed as 7-1

[tornado]

story from QC

http://qctimes.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/article_49233cac-eaf2-11df-afae-001cc4c03286.html

[Da Coach]

Unless there's someone I don't know about -- this would obviously boil down to the only 3 players we've ever had who were 7-footers...
(we had a couple others at 6-10, 6-11)

Tom Prusator
Patrick O'Bryant
Brandyn Heemskerk..
and Brandyn was a full 2 inches taller than POB, so I suspect he was 7-2 and is our tallest player ever, even tho he was listed as 7-1

James Baptist was also 7' tall.

[bu fan 9]

I dont understand this move at all another project. What are we going to do for a shooting guard next year?DSE,Lemon<and Eastmen are slashers not shooters.

[tornado]

Yeah -- and David Collins -- so that's five Bradley has had
..and Ben Coupet had an NBDL tryout and was listed as 6-11..
http://www.nba.com/dleague/nbdl/central_camp_011024.html


Speaking of Ben Coupet..
http://www.bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=82742#post82742

[thefish7]

Wasn't Eastman a prolific shooter in HS?

Also thought Lemon put up decent (but not spectacular) shooting in HS...

[bu fan 9]

He was a prolific scoreer not sure about a shooter.

[bu fan 9]

I am sick of 7 footers that can't play.

[shaunguth]

I am sick of 7 footers that can't play.

Who said he can't play? It's bad enough people are jumping off cliffs without waiting for a game that counts this season. This kids' first regular season game for Bradley will be in two years!

[bu fan 9]

I just talked to a scout for high school basketball.

[shaunguth]

I just talked to a scout for high school basketball.

And that person told you this kid won't be able to play basketball two years from now? That's impressive! Now I'm wondering why this person is a high school scout when they could probably make good money with a pro team.

[DeltaBrave03]

I just talked to a scout for high school basketball.

I think I'll trust a group of Division I basketball coaches before I listen to one HS scout.

[Future Walk-On]

I just talked to a scout for high school basketball.

and this scout said he couldn't play?

what did he say?!

[bu fan 9]

He has a long way to go before he could play in the Valley.

[tornado]

we are giving him a long way

[DeltaBrave03]

2 maybe 3 years? If everyone on the team now progresses we should have no need for him until at earliest his sophomore redshirt season.

[bu fan 9]

Thats what everyone said about sticks

[amckillip]

He has a long way to go before he could play in the Valley.

Thats what everyone said about sticks

Which games have you seen him play? Can you point me to the website with all his game tape? I'm assuming you've watched him play alot and evaluated his game tape to be so sure in your judgement.

[bu fan 9]

I have not seen him play but I will.

[amckillip]

I have not seen him play but I will.

So your judgment isn't based on much of anything then?

[bu fan 9]

From a friend of mine right now. But I will go up and see him play in a few weeks.

[tornado]

every coach at every level occasionally strikes out with certain kids--
we did with TCS and Saihou
Illinois did with Alex Legion and Richard Semrau
ISU did with Bobby Hill & Kellen Thornton
Even Duke did with Carrick Felix & 5-Star Taylor King who is now playing NAIA ball!

[amckillip]

From a friend of mine right now. But I will go up and see him play in a few weeks.

OK, so you don't know then? I'm not saying he's not a project. But all big men in the MVC are. I can't remember a single dominant big men that was a freshman or even sophmore really. It's the nature of the league. Before we write off a kid who is likely going to be the biggest player we've had. Let's see a game or two. I never comment on what I think a player is going to be unless I have seen film, I like SamM and JP coming into BU, but I had seen both play personally before they got here.

[bu fan 9]

I agree Tornado.What I am saying is we have spent millions of dollars to upgrade recruiting and we have 3 projects as big men in Davis,Sticks,And now Nate I don't understand why we spent all that money.

[real fan]

He is red-shirting so he can put on weight and improve his skills, players that work hard usually get better with the key words being work hard; some think they are so good that they put in their time and never get better, I would always take a chance on a kid like this plus P.O"Bryant was not suppose to be very good.

[bugregshu]

What I am saying is we have spent millions of dollars to upgrade recruiting

What? Did the thought ever cross your mind that maybe the previous athletic facilities just simply needed to be upgraded? Bradley didn't build everything simply to get better recruits, they built it because the fieldhouse was falling apart and Haussler was completely outdated. To think that the upgrades were meant entirely to lure basketball recruits is completely ignorant.

[romar]

OK, so you don't know then? I'm not saying he's not a project. But all big men in the MVC are. I can't remember a single dominant big men that was a freshman or even sophmore really. It's the nature of the league. Before we write off a kid who is likely going to be the biggest player we've had. Let's see a game or two. I never comment on what I think a player is going to be unless I have seen film, I like SamM and JP coming into BU, but I had seen both play personally before they got here.


If he can run the floor, block/alter shots, rebound and get 2-3 putbacks a game, I'd be completely stoked!!

[amckillip]

What? Did the thought ever cross your mind that maybe the previous athletic facilities just simply needed to be upgraded? Bradley didn't build everything simply to get better recruits, they built it because the fieldhouse was falling apart and Haussler was completely outdated. To think that the upgrades were meant entirely to lure basketball recruits is completely ignorant.

You said what I was thinking.

[houstontxbrave]

I agree Tornado.What I am saying is we have spent millions of dollars to upgrade recruiting and we have 3 projects as big men in Davis,Sticks,And now Nate I don't understand why we spent all that money.

Really had you never walked into Haussler or spent any time in the summer in the Fieldhouse?

The millions you speak of were not exclusively spent to bring in 5star recruits, it was to improve the quality of the athletic department and to improve the quality of the entire campus.

I have no clue why you continue to talk about the big men Les has brought in, Thompson has nothing to do with the new arena, this is his 4th year here. The others, well it is not a horrible idea to have a project that redshirts. If he works out it is a bonus to have a big man develop in each class and stay for 5 years.

But I have a feeling if Wells and Davis were 6'3 there would be an outcry as to where is the big tall recruits.

And what if Davis, Prosser and Wells pan out and are dominate by the time they are seniors? You never ever know about a recruit until his time is complete. That would be 3 straight classes of big men who would dominate. Ill be satisfied with one dominate and two quality, but with bigs it takes time and again a 5th year redshirt is not a bad idea.

BTW you are really neglecting both Remy and Stewart, both will be very complete quality players in the Valley. And I cant guarantee but am pretty sure if Bradley did not have the new arena etc Remy would not have verballed.

Please remember recruting is a process.

[Big Mike]

Good point houstonx.....Remy Abell is in the TOP 5 players in Kentucky and is up for Mr Basketball.....I'd say the new buildings might of had something to do with him committing! :wink:

[bu fan 9]

Bradley's Athletic Dep is men's basketball. That's what raises and makes all the money.

[houstontxbrave]

Bradley's Athletic Dep is men's basketball. That's what raises and makes all the money.

You really seem upset that the school put "millions" of dollars into its athletic department(mens basketball) and have not gotten what you consider worthy of the money spent recruits.

So let me ask a very simple question. What 4 players do you believe are better and should have verballed to Bradley, instead of the 4 we currently have verballed?

Or we can make this question simplier, who are the two 7 footers that you believe are better then the 2 Bradley has either signed or had verbal?

[bu fan 9]

I don't have a problem with the other 3 I have a problem with this recruit. We need another shooting guard.

[BU RICK]

Nate, thanks for picking Bradley - you're gonna have some fun! :) :)

113 blocks your Junior year in HS - WOW, have a great Senior year!

Go Braves!

[bugregshu]

I don't have a problem with the other 3 I have a problem with this recruit. We need another shooting guard.

You should wait until this time next year to judge the recruiting class. I'm sure there will be some unforeseen variables that could open up a scholarship for a shooting guard.

[amckillip]

I don't have a problem with the other 3 I have a problem with this recruit. We need another shooting guard.

DSE, WL, DS, RA... I would argue we need a true PG (DS I guess counts) more than that... But that would leave us with no true bigs in the class. I think it's a good breakdown of a recruiting class.

[houstontxbrave]

I don't have a problem with the other 3 I have a problem with this recruit. We need another shooting guard.

I dont think it is the wisest decision to bring in a 3rd big project but it isnt the worst. Like I said earlier in this thread this type of decision is not a very typical Jim Les recruit decision. He must very much expect Abell and Harris to come in and contribute immediately.

and I am not going to discount the slashing/shooting abilities of Lemon or DSE. I think if you feel you have filled needs it is not wrong to bring in a project.

Davis and Wells are going to be given time to mature, Egolf is here another year with another year for Prosser, I think it is important to even out the size on the roster, but and this is just me looking at Jim Les.... He has NEVER shown a tendency or want to play a large tall, less athletic front court. It is absolutely essential if he is going to bring in big he must play big and not use his front court size to set 19 feet away from the rim screens.

I am very curious to understand Les's thought process in the signings of guys who have not fit into his mold of wear a seatbelt type of player.

The signing though encouraging just makes me wonder.

[thefish7]

He was a prolific scoreer not sure about a shooter.

Haven't been able to turn up HS stats yet, but here's his ESPN scouting info:
Jake Eastman
Shooting Guard
CLASS: 200984SCOUTS GRADE
Grading Scale
Richmond, VA
Hometown
Douglas Freeman
High School6'4"
Height
200 lbs
Weight—
Overall Rank
113
Position RankAverage:Avg. User Rating
Rating:
1
2
3
4
5
Your RatingStatus
SignedAlso Considered
William & Mary Tribe, American University EaglesESPN Player EvaluationsEvaluationOn The TrailConversationMarch, 2009: He is a great shooter with an excellent knowledge of the game being a coach's son, Kevin Eastman (Asst. Boston Celtics). He does a great job at reading screens and is very skilled. Jake is fundamentally sound, pounds his dribble, and has no dip in his shot. He comes up with loose balls and is a smart rebounder that does the little things to make his team better. Eastman has had 3 triple doubles thus far this season and is averaging 16 pts., 8 rebs., 7.5 ast. per game this year. He is an under recruited, deep range shooter that could play at a high level because of his toughness, bball IQ, and ability to stretch a defense. Solid Mid-Major prospect.

September, 2007: Jake is the son of Kevin Eastman. He is a pure shooter who understands the game better than most prospects. He competes as if every possession were his last. He makes strong moves and knows how to take advantage of solid screens set for him. He can shoot off the catch and off the dribble. He is working to get better and being a complete player even when his shot is not going in.

2007: Jake is a good shooter. He is also more athletic than he looks. He is a solid wing that can score off the catch and shoot as well as slash a little. He has a good basketball IQ and is a solid glue player. Jake is a top 300 player in the 2009 class.

[bu fan 9]

I am sorry someone on the staff who is not here anymore told me when they watched him in highschool that he was more of a slasher than a shooter.

[BU RICK]

I agree, size is almost always a key component to success, but when the primary thing our bigs are asked to do is set ball screens at the 3 point line, does it matter if their 7'0 or 6'6?

Sorry, last night's game just reminded me of being so sick during the Les era of watching entire games where we have only a handful of true post entry passes where the big can make a move. Prosser can be an impact player on the block if we choose to feed him the ball and let him go to work.

My money is that doesn't happen and we'll spend a lot more time overdribbling, running a weave with dribble handoffs 30 ft. from the basket and launching contested 3's. That's not an offense Jim, it's a cry for help.

My Man:D:D:D

Me too :D Can't wait to actually see a game this Friday. Hope the video stream comes through ok. I actually heard a pass from a post to a post during Saturday's game. WE to JP for a basket, can't remember the last time I heard that, big guys handling the ball and passing to each other, now we need the guards actually start throwing the ball into the post positions more often.

I was spoiled though, my Bradley experience was watching bullet passes and bounce passes going into JOE ALLEN and we all know what happened then with either hand. But wait, there was no three point line to circle the Braves around back then :)

The game I'll never forget - BU 102 USC 97! With no three point line,

Also the NIT team with MITCHELL ANDERSON. And of course the 1963 NCAA champion Loyola Ramblers, the only D1 team from Illinois to win it to date.

Go Braves :)

[BUfan14]

Looks like a young Chris Kaman... :D

Seriously though, I think it's awfully premature to get too high or too low on anyone. There are plenty of examples where kids like this slipped through the cracks and became stars, and plenty where the guy couldn't walk and chew gum at the same time. We won't know anything until he gets on campus and gets in a game. Welcome to BU Nate.

I read the first couple pages here, and I completely agree with this comment! Who cares who else is recruiting him? That does not necessarily mean anything, it's the talent that I care about. With WE, JP, AD, and AT all still on the team next year, he will have a year to develop if needed.

I'm excited to have the commitment from a 7'1 kid!

Welcome to BU Nate! Glad to have you on board!

[BUfan14]

You should wait until this time next year to judge the recruiting class. I'm sure there will be some unforeseen variables that could open up a scholarship for a shooting guard.

I agree with this, shooters are easier to find than big guys, why not take the chance? Besides most of out current shooters had to develop their shot, even JC was not lights out his sophomore year. DSE, JE, RA, DS, WL, MK, and even TB will probably have pretty good 3 point shots by next year. DSE, MK, and JE did not have bad 3 point shots towards the end of last year as freshman, so I think we will be find there, plus you never know what will open up by next year for the roster.

I'm excited to have this kid!

Btw, this recruiting class looks very good and diverse! A PG, SG, SF/PF, and C all in one class! Good to see it complete already!

[Braves4Life]

Here's why Bradley needs 7-footers.

http://www.kansas.com/2010/11/05/1573825/wsus-big-push.html

http://thesouthern.com/college/siu/article_284da91e-e7c2-11df-b7d4-001cc4c002e0.html

[tornado]

Here are the most recent 7-footers in the Missouri Valley..
There are at least nine who have or will play in the Valley in the past few years...and can't really say any of them were dominant although the only one who really got a dime's worth of interest from the next level was POB

BU-
David Collins - career 4.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Patrick O'Bryant - career 11.6 ppg, 7.85 rpg
Nate Wells - pending
Brandyn Heemskerk - career 1.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg

Creighton-
None recently

Drake-
Sean Jones - redshirt has not played

ISU-
None recently

InSU-
None recently

Missouri State-
None recently

UNI-
Jordan Eglseder - career 9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg

SIU-
Kobby Acquah - career 0.25 ppg, 0.375 rpg
(Nick Evans was 6-11)

Wichita State-
Garrett Stutz - career 6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Ehimen Orukpe - has not played yet

[AZ BU Fan]

If I remember correctly, JL did play MS, POB, and ZA at times.

Certainly MS, POB and Boogie played together.....I would put that in the category as a big line up for BU and JL. Bigger than WE & TB..

Hard to fault JL for recruiting a 7' from Ia. Several big players from Ia HS's have turned out pretty good over the years in the MVC.

Taking a position that BU needs a SG/PG for 2011-12 vs a C in 2012-13 is perfectly acceptable.

Predicting the impact of a HS player who won't see the court for 2 years, and suggesting this isn't a good use of a scholie, is pretty weak.

RE phenominal interest by BU fans...This post has already had 2264 views! Talk about passion!

[Big Mike]

Quad City times on NATE....

http://qctimes.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/article_49233cac-eaf2-11df-afae-001cc4c03286.html

[SFP]

He recruits a few bigs and people complain, he recruits a few PG and people complain. **** if you do and **** if you don't.

[amckillip]

He recruits a few bigs and people complain, he recruits a few PG and people complain. **** if you do and **** if you don't.

It's JL, you knew that was gonna happen on here. Everything he does is wrong, even if it's what people wanted yesterday.

[wily coyote]

I think this class is a perfect mixture of a PG and some size. Now if we can get them all to sign this week and come in here ready to give us some help. I'm sure DS can play right away after watching DSE play the point the other night. Welcome aboard Nate and a great decision to redshirt. Your gonna love your 5 years.

[Out of Balance]

I agree Tornado.What I am saying is we have spent millions of dollars to upgrade recruiting and we have 3 projects as big men in Davis,Sticks,And now Nate I don't understand why we spent all that money.

Only two so called projects. I don't think Sticks was ever thought or recruited to be a project:? Was he not a 3 star and wasn't JL quoted to say he was the best big man he ever recruited:? Sticks became a project after his arrival:!: In my opinion, Sticks biggest problem has never been his weight but his mind set and somewhat lazy:!: This is year #4 for him (NO LONGER A PROJECT), if we cannot get ANYTHING out of him NOW (and he has some weight now) then maybe it's time to call it a wash and its time to focus on Davis and Nate. After all there is two years separating these two:!: Maybe only one, if Davis RS's (as I think he will, my opinion:) So I consider we will have two 7' projects with some time between them! I can think of a hell of a lot worst problems for a team to deal with! I also think Davis is/will be a short project as he showed he has some skills in the RedWhite game unlike a couple other 7' player's of the past. Now we need someone who can work with and develop them:!:
Anytime you can add a 7' player to a team (especially at a Mid Major) is a good thing:!: No mistake here in offering Nate but a great move by JL and staff:!::D

[SFP]

Nate welcome to The Hilltop! I already know that you will be a great influence on the program in more ways then one.

[DeltaBrave03]

Watching the Illini game I thought to myself...wow how nice would it be to have a 7'1 guy who went to a small school and flew under the radar who could just set up downlow and drop the ball in. Then I remember we just got a commitment from a guy exactly like that. I wonder if Illini fans were mad about landing Tisdale before he came to campus because he only had offers from BU, SLU, SIU, WIU, and Wisky.

[Future Walk-On]

Anyone find what his stats were his Junior year? Can he score and rebound at the high school level?

[bugregshu]

Anyone find what his stats were his Junior year? Can he score and rebound at the high school level?

He averaged about 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks his junior year for Davenport West. It'd be nice to see those points and rebounds averages go up this year.

[Future Walk-On]

He averaged about 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks his junior year for Davenport West. It'd be nice to see those points and rebounds averages go up this year.

:eek:

hmmmm......i hope so....most all of our players dominate the high school level...minus AT....

[wily coyote]

He averaged about 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks his junior year for Davenport West. It'd be nice to see those points and rebounds averages go up this year. I'd be very surprise if his number don't come close to a double-double. I don't think he's on a very good HS team. He should be their focus.

[amckillip]

I'd be very surprise if his number don't come close to a double-double. I don't think he's on a very good HS team. He should be their focus.

They may not be this year, I'm not up on Iowa Basketball anymore, but Davenport West was a traditional powerhouse in Iowa. Granted, thats like being the 25th best team in Illinois or Indiana, but still

[bugregshu]

They may not be this year, I'm not up on Iowa Basketball anymore, but Davenport West was a traditional powerhouse in Iowa. Granted, thats like being the 25th best team in Illinois or Indiana, but still

I believe Davenport West was roughly 8-17 last year, and something like 2-24 the year before that.

[Da Coach]

Davenport West did not have a good season last year, but they were playing much better by the end of the season.
Here is an article describing their upset of Bettendorf, one of the top teams in the state, at the end of the year.-
http://qctimes.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/article_a4ecb9ce-2355-11df-afea-001cc4c03286.html

They have a couple very quick, athletic guards to go along with Nate Wells. They will be much better this season.

[whyami]

If you look at his pictures you can see that he definitely has a frame to add some size. He could be good, he could be bad but show me what program doesn't have to develop big men. Mind you excluding Duke, NC and Kentucky...

Welcome to tht hilltop Nate.. I hope you have a long and fruitful career....

[wily coyote]

Saw some video of Nate on sports tonight. I was impressed by the way he ran the floor.Was not clutzy at all. I have a friend in Bettendorf who used to be the play by play man for Rock Island. I'll ask him to keep me updated on Nates season. Maybe a road trip if they play Rocky or Moline?

[amckillip]

Saw some video of Nate on sports tonight. I was impressed by the way he ran the floor.Was not clutzy at all. I have a friend in Bettendorf who used to by the play by play man for Rock Island. I'll ask him to keep me updated on Nates season. Maybe a road trip if they play Rocky or Moline?

Haha, is Davenport too far for ya?

[AZ BU Fan]

It's JL, you knew that was gonna happen on here. Everything he does is wrong, even if it's what people wanted yesterday.

You make it sound like JL is the only coach in college history where there have been fans complaining....

Guess what? Similar comments were made by fans during the Stowell, Versace, Albeck and Molinari years at BU.

Fans will always vehemently agree or disagree with an incumbent College Basketball Head Coach. The comments stay the same, only the Coaches' names change.

3474 views within three days. Amazing....

[BradleyBrave]

Keon Clark had some pretty pedestrian statistics when he was at Danville, and he ended up doing OK. HS numbers are overblown both good and bad. I don't think our talent assessors are incompetent.

[wily coyote]

Haha, is Davenport too far for ya? No not to far just more familar with the other two schools. Never been to Davenport West, but I'd bet we could find it.

[Big Mike]

Video from Quad city times today and Nate talking about signing with Bradley.....

http://qctimes.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/vmix_eb98635c-ed24-11df-857f-001cc4c002e0.html