ISU gets verbal

[user1]

Dominitrix Johnson gives verbal commitment to ISU & Porter Moser.

http://www.semissourian.com/blogs/sports/entry/10205/

[collegehoopjunkie]

This actually is not good news for Osiris Eldridge.
This kid Dom Johnson is not only good, but will likely be immediately the best non-post player
ISU has next year, and also will have agreat shot at starting (he comes in as an experienced junior, JC transfer) and playing 30 min.
But Roberto Fortes (who came on strong in the 2nd half), Bobby Hill, Brandon Holtz, Eric Vianney, and
Travis Wallace also all play essentially the exact same "combo guard" (non point guard) position.
This kid's signing simply makes it harder for all those kids to get decent playing time and be happy.
With the track record of players leaving could this threaten Osiris' satisfaction with coming to ISU?

[DannyCooksey]

This actually is not good news for Osiris Eldridge.

I understand your reasoning, but this will not effect Osiris in any way. As long as he picks up things defensively early, he starts at the 2, regardless. Osiris will be the best non-post player on the team as soon as practice starts. He is that good.

Roberto Fortes (who came on strong in the 2nd half), Bobby Hill, Brandon Holtz, Eric Vianney, and

Bobby is a 3 and Vianney is more of a PG in our system. Holtz's playing time could be most effected with the Johnson signing, much like Tauai and Franklin cut into Crouch's for you guys this season.

Travis Wallace also all play essentially the exact same "combo guard" (non point guard) position.

Travis was a walk-on who has exhausted his eligibility and he was a PG only.

With the track record of players leaving could this threaten Osiris' satisfaction with coming to ISU?

I doubt it. This simply solidifies his desire to play with good players. The signing of Johnson makes this a better team. Osiris only cares about winning from everything ever said or written about him.

[it's boogie time]

It's no secret that ISU needs a point guard. I thought we would hear something about this position before any other. It's instant playing time for any juco point guard.

[DannyCooksey]

It's no secret that ISU needs a point guard. I thought we would hear something about this position before any other. It's instant playing time for any juco point guard

absolutely correct here. We need one in the worst way.

Johnson will play some PG, but I don't think he'll be THE PG. Moser will be signing a TRUE PG and a post player with the remaining schollies.

The JUCO PG that he signs most likely will be the one that starts at that spot only. The 'instant playing time' statement will apply here for sure.

[it's boogie time]

I guess I should have added that I'm surprised that ISU hasn't had a point guard verbal yet. A guy with a 1:1 turnover to assist ratio at a lower level isn't the answer for thier point guard needs.

[DannyCooksey]

A guy with a 1:1 turnover to assist ratio at a lower level isn't the answer for thier point guard needs.

I totally agree. The sad thing is, a guy with a 1:1 ratio is an upgrade!!!!

I don't believe Johnson will be the starting PG. He will play some PG, sure, but I don't believe he'll be the only one. Put it this way: If only 1 scholly was available, as was the case prior to Kruse and Ford transferring, I doubt it would have gone to Dom Johnson. I think it would have gone to a PG only. Johnson is more of a shooter/scorer with PG skills. We certainly need offense in the worst way.

I see him being used much like Will Franklin was used for you guys. A back-up type PG, that can contribute offensively as a shooter as well. If he can be like Franklin, I would be pleased.

[user1]

Just to show how so many programs really missed the boat on Will Franklin, here's a little recap.

Will was getting some looks from bigger schools, even University of Texas when he was in high school, but grades and test scored required Will to go the juco route.
In his first juco season (at Murray State JC, Oklahoma) , he got almost no notice and he transferred to Kilgore, TX.
Here is an article from 1/05 pointing out how few D-I schools had even come to see him: Gardner-Webb, Stephen F. Austin, Texas-Pan American, and Utah Valley State

http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=375077

Then even in April of 2005, only a month before Will is set to graduate from Junior college, Here are the only three names of schools listed in an article:
"he's going to be visiting Stephen F. Austin and Campbell University. We've also gotten...phone calls, from schools like Bradley"

So at this point (4/5/05) it looked like Will might be going to play very low D-I ball or maybe even D-II.


Then a month later (5/13/05) this comment appeared in a Rivals article:
"After making an official visit to Bradley, Franklin saw all that he needed to see to make a decision. So late last week, he signed on the dotted line to join head coach Jim Les and the Braves program."

Again, Will Franklin is a fine D-I point guard/off guard and Jim Les saw the talent and fortunately for both Will & BU, Les pursued Will.

[it's boogie time]

"After making an official visit to Bradley, Franklin saw all that he needed to see to make a decision. So late last week, he signed on the dotted line to join head coach Jim Les and the Braves program."

In between the time Franklin had made his official visit and the time he gave a verbal commitment, Dominic Bishop had been offered and turned BU down to go to Creighton. Bradley ended up getting the better end of that deal since Bishop couldn't even pick up the Creighton offense when Dotzler when down at the end of the season.

[bradley fan]

Bradley also offered another Kansas JuCo point guard named Keoni Watson. But Watson went to Idaho, and Bradley turned to Bishop, then Franklin. Will has exceeded everyone's expectations.

[Big Mike]

WF has turned out great IMO............I really trust JL and staff when it comes to Juco's.........they seem to know what they want and usaully get it! I will be very surprised if we don't sign at least one more (juco) this signing period! With PO'B coming back a juco or two could get us right back were we want to be!

[DannyCooksey]

WF has turned out great IMO

I agree. As a basketball fan, I really like his game and the way he plays and handles himself on the court. He has a good team-first attitude that I admire. His game against Kansas was a big reason you guys were victorious.

As a Redbird fan, I will be glad when he graduates!!