BU recruit- class of 2010- Ricardo Johnson

[Eta Rho]

I'm okay with that. You told us JJ has just as much athleticism and is slightly bigger. If he's got the ability to shoot outside if anyone can bring it out it's Jim Les. Besides we don't necessarily need another 3pt shooter and extra Theron Wilson type behind or with Taylor Brown would be excellent.

Again, the only thing I see lacking in JJ's game is confidence. He doesn't play with the same swagger that Ricardo seems to play with. I think a lot of that may have had to do with him being the 4th option offensively this past year. Here is a recent evaluation of him:

Jeremiah is a great looking prospect when he is playing in transition. His outside shot remains a little bit suspect and seems to be what is holding him back at this point. If he could add a consistent outside jumper to his repertoire he would be able to force defenders to hug him close on the perimeter, allowing his driving ability to take over. Jeremiah??™s athletic ability gives him a high ceiling and it will be interesting to see how he develops throughout his senior year.

http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=21658

[SFP]

Eta regardless I believe both brothers would be well served under JL's coaching. It sounds like their game is more suited to play in our system and they can both showcase their athleticism in which we can guarantee will happen here. You have never heard of a player from BU complaining about the tempo we play!

[Eta Rho]

Eta regardless I believe both brothers would be well served under JL's coaching. It sounds like their game is more suited to play in our system and they can both showcase their athleticism in which we can guarantee will happen here. You have never heard of a player from BU complaining about the tempo we play!

Both would excel tremendously in a fast paced transition game. I noticed that Rico plans to take a visit to Bradley soon as well as Butler...considering Bradley has already offered, that definetly plays in to their favor.

Why is Bradley not recruiting 6'8 SF Elijah Pittman of Holmes? He is probably the most talented player on their team. Scouts have talked about him as having enough talent to be a potential Mcdonalds All American.

[Da Coach]

Why is Bradley not recruiting 6'8 SF Elijah Pittman of Holmes? He is probably the most talented player on their team. Scouts have talked about him as having enough talent to be a potential Mcdonalds All American.

I do not know that Bradley isn't recruiting Pittman, but I haven't heard or read anything to suggest they are. And, I don't have any connection with the coaches who make the BU recruiting decisions, but I suspect it is because Bradley doesn't have the resources to recruit every kid.
Pittman is already receiving interest from high majors like Kentucky and Xavier. Plus, Bradley already has commitments from 2 big kids, Sean Harris and John Wilkins, who appear on track to be here in 2010, plus they just brought in 2 big guys this fall. BU has currently only 1 scholarship available for 2010, and it doesn't seem likely they would target another inside player with their last scholarship.

[Eta Rho]

I do not know that Bradley isn't recruiting Pittman, but I haven't heard or read anything to suggest they are. And, I don't have any connection with the coaches who make the BU recruiting decisions, but I suspect it is because Bradley doesn't have the resources to recruit every kid.
Pittman is already receiving interest from high majors like Kentucky and Xavier. Plus, Bradley already has commitments from 2 big kids, Sean Harris and John Wilkins, who appear on track to be here in 2010, plus they just brought in 2 big guys this fall. BU has currently only 1 scholarship available for 2010, and it doesn't seem likely they would target another inside player with their last scholarship.

Thanks for the info.

[BUBrave28]

A visit soon sounds fantastic!! Get here soon, Rico! Would it be better for his visit here to be before or after his visit to Butler?

Eta, thanks again for the info and keep us updated on when that visit might be.

[Eta Rho]

A visit soon sounds fantastic!! Get here soon, Rico! Would it be better for his visit here to be before or after his visit to Butler?

Eta, thanks again for the info and keep us updated on when that visit might be.

Really depends...I'd expect Butler to offer if they can get him up on campus.

I'm going to talk to him tonight and see what visits he has lined up and to where. I'll let you guys know as soon as I hear from him.

[Bradleyguy10]

A visit soon sounds fantastic!! Get here soon, Rico! Would it be better for his visit here to be before or after his visit to Butler?

Eta, thanks again for the info and keep us updated on when that visit might be.

BEFORE! haha

Well I guess that's if he plans on committing. If he's truly not planning on committing for a while, then after would possibly be better. Might stick out in his mind a little more.

[Eta Rho]

BEFORE! haha

Well I guess that's if he plans on committing. If he's truly not planning on committing for a while, then after would possibly be better. Might stick out in his mind a little more.

Spoke with Ricardo and he doesn't have a specific time he plans on visiting either Bradley or Butler, but just stated that he plan on visiting both before the start of the school year in August..

As far as when he'll committ, I think he's holding out at this point to see what else comes along. The live July recruiting period is when things should heat up. I'd look for something to happen before the start of his senior season though (season starts first week of December). He's stated he'd like to make a decision before then so he can focus on his school work and team.

[tornado]

thanks eta--
Vinny Zollo is in limbo now that Calipari is at UK....
several articles say Vinny & his mom want to talk to Calipari but he hasn't returned their calls.....

Zollo won't be at UK.......

bingo....finally Vinny talks to Coach Cal, and instantly decommits...

"The last of Billy Gillispie's underclassmen commitments to Kentucky is now officially decommitted.
"I talked with the Kentucky coaches yesterday and officially opened up my recruitment," said Zollo"

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=960471

[Eta Rho]

bingo....finally Vinny talks to Coach Cal, and instantly decommits...

"The last of Billy Gillispie's underclassmen commitments to Kentucky is now officially decommitted.
"I talked with the Kentucky coaches yesterday and officially opened up my recruitment," said Zollo"
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.c...asp?CID=960471

I've pretty much known about this since Billy G was fired from UK...Zollo doesn't fit in well in the dribble drive offense. From seeing him several times over the past few years, he is more suited to play in an offense where he has time to come down and post up down low. Talented kid but lacks athleticism and quickness big time.

[Eta Rho]

Ricardo will be at the Adidas Take 5ive Classic this week end on the campus of the University of Cincinnati with his KY Players AAU team.

I plan on getting over there Monday night to take in some of the action and I'll give a recap of how he performed. They play at 5:20 and 8:00.

[Eta Rho]

Just did a phone interview with Ricardo about his team and himself. Here is what he had to say:

How are some of the younger guys looking? Do you see any of them being able to contribute off the bench?

Ricardo: Yea I see some. They're just small right now. They are learning though just like everyone else.

What do you see that you guys need to improve on as a team and what would you say are the strengths of next year's team?

Ricardo: I would say our team DEFENSE. Defense is the key to the game. It can help you when your offense is off. So I believe that defense will be the key.

Do you think this year's team has the potential to be better than last year's?

Ricardo: To me, no. I say that just because of experience we had. But we have a chance to be good.

Obviously you want to win state and repeat as state champs, but what are some of your personal goals as far as next season goes?

Ricardo: Improve on my game and go somewhere where I can play.

What do you feel you can bring to a college program? Is there any particular style that you prefer to play in?

Ricardo: I feel that I can bring toughness, character, and heart to a program and I know how to win.

I prefer the running style.

Do any of the schools recruiting you right now stick out above the others?

Ricardo: I'm just open to everyone right now. When I know where I wanna go, that's when everyone else will know.

One last question Ricardo and I'll let you go...Do you feel it'd be beneficial for you to wait until your senior season is completed to make a decision, so you can fully weigh all of your options?

Yea, I'm going to wait when the season is over. As of now I gotta finish my senior year out with a bang.

There you have it guys. Hope the information was helpful to all of you and let you get to know him a little better. I'll have more on him tomorrow night after I go see his AAU team play at the Adidas It takes 5ive classic.

[Da Coach]

Thanks for the update!

[Eta Rho]

No problem...like I said, I'll have more on him tomorrow and an update of how he did on the first day at the Adidas It takes 5ive classic at UC.