New 2011 commit -Nate Wells

[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.

[BradleyBrave]

Looks like a young Chris Kaman...

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

[tornado]

There's more, including another interview with Nate Wells in this blog..

http://is.gd/gPXeA