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Post by howlincoyote on Apr 22, 2014 13:36:18 GMT -6
According to Stu Whitney on Twitter (from "a good source"):
Anyone on here know who else had offered Decker besides us? I'd be curious to see where he might end up if Coach Smith doesn't let him stay here.
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Post by GoYotes on Apr 22, 2014 19:07:31 GMT -6
Justin Decker just tweeted that he sent in for his release from USD. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at Concordia-St Paul.
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Post by Cousin Eddie on Apr 22, 2014 19:21:43 GMT -6
Justin Decker just tweeted that he sent in for his release from USD. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at Concordia-St Paul. I am sure this move won't be popular with some, but he wasn't one of Smith's guys. I was never convinced he was a D-1 guy. This is a player that committed to Boots when he was a sophomore that didn't start for his HS team. Regardless, I wish Decker all the luck in the world with his future endeavors. Also based on some of Smith's comments, I believe that he is confident in his ability to get several recruits in this class. With two graduating seniors, Decker's spot and at least one departure from the current roster, I expect to see 4 if not more players signed in the coming weeks.
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Post by Yotes on Apr 23, 2014 0:06:49 GMT -6
Justin Decker just tweeted that he sent in for his release from USD. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at Concordia-St Paul. I am sure this move won't be popular with some, but he wasn't one of Smith's guys. I was never convinced he was a D-1 guy. This is a player that committed to Boots when he was a sophomore that didn't start for his HS team. Regardless, I wish Decker all the luck in the world with his future endeavors. Also based on some of Smith's comments, I believe that he is confident in his ability to get several recruits in this class. With two graduating seniors, Decker's spot and at least one departure from the current roster, I expect to see 4 if not more players signed in the coming weeks. If this guy wasn't even starting, then I would be incredibly skeptical that he was worthy of a scholarship. If he were perhaps even a borderline scholarship-worthy player, I'd still trust that Craig Smith can find someone more deserving of a scholarship. I've got the utmost confidence in this coach, and I know he doesn't have much time to work with here, but I expect some noteworthy players to be joining the program in the coming weeks.
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Post by yotemeal on Apr 23, 2014 8:46:17 GMT -6
Boots and his staff garnered Decker’s commitment when he was, I believe, a sophomore merely projecting to be a solid player. Decker has had a strong high school career, and he may very well land at a D-I institution, but I think it’s more likely he ends up playing D-II ball. In any event, when wins and losses so heavily influence job security, Coach Smith must have the autonomy to build a program as he sees fit. I’ve observed him now on several occasions, and he brings an energy this program desperately needed. I cannot wait to witness the fruits of his efforts.
I suspect this Decker news will greatly upset some, and I certainly share in the disappointment of losing a prospective local contributor. But I do support the proposition that state of origin should be considered only when all else is essentially equal. While a 100 percent South Dakotan roster is the ideal for our public university, we should pursue the best talent available – considering, of course, cultural fit – not simply the best talent South Dakota has to offer. Hell, I think that notion extends to scholarships in all contexts across campus. Diversity is never a bad thing, and our state continues to benefit culturally and economically from transplants drawn here through the university system. [steps away from soapbox…]
I’ve heard a number of comments over the last several years about the “lack” of South Dakota talent on USD basketball rosters. Some of it comes from USD supporters, some of it disparagingly from SDSU supporters. A winning culture will allow USD better access to the limited South Dakota litter – and I’m hopeful we’re able to land more local, D-I talent – but I’ll be just as happy if Coach Smith puts us on the winning track with good student athletes from Iowa, Australia, Mars and anywhere in between. A "local" roster is nice if the talent and chemistry are not compromised, but it is not otherwise a valid D-I priority.
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Post by kioatee on Apr 23, 2014 8:56:28 GMT -6
I have watched Decker a number of times this year. Although a great kid, great high school player. Realistically his identity in the Summit League would be questionable. Can he play a four spot? Yeah. Is he going to be an immediate impact guy? Probably not, his best chances I would say to play would be his Junior and Senior year and by then I can see Coach Smith having some success with higher level prospects. I would have liked to see Decker remain at USD but just for the sake of having a South Dakotan on the roster I dont think it will be too much of a miss.
I think with his size and skill set he has a chance to be a great player and if he goes to a D-2 situation has a chance to be a contributor right away. Of course with the right fit and system he could be a D-1 player. I would imagine either way he has a number of schools banging down his door. Wish him the best
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Post by Yotes on Apr 23, 2014 17:29:29 GMT -6
Sergej Vucetic is transferring to Evansville. Craig Smith will not be bringing any of the Nebraska players with him it should seem.
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Post by coyote61 on Apr 28, 2014 15:55:35 GMT -6
Williston States Tre Burnette to sign a letter of intent to play for the Yotes during the 2014-2015 season per retweet from Jeremy Hoeck of the Yankton P&D
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Post by Cousin Eddie on Apr 28, 2014 17:24:48 GMT -6
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Post by Yotes on Apr 29, 2014 20:22:54 GMT -6
Jeremy Hoeck has a piece on the first recruit of the Smith era: pressdakotan.wordpress.com/He'll definitely fill the hole left by Rowson.
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Post by azsod73 on May 1, 2014 18:18:19 GMT -6
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Post by Yotes on May 1, 2014 20:20:50 GMT -6
I'd be pretty surprised if everyone stayed, but Mick is just speculating. My guess is two or three leave the program, with one or two being redshirts. I hope the coaches can find some more bodies to come fill in the holes, it's definitely a tough time to be starting on the recruiting trail.
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Post by Yotes on May 2, 2014 17:47:38 GMT -6
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Post by yotefan on May 3, 2014 6:30:36 GMT -6
More information on Fejokwu: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t18lSqKRFDc stats.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2013-14/div1/players/lawrencefejokwudl4f The first link was uploaded in November, 2011 to Youtube and while the kid looks really raw with a good frame in this footage, a lot can happen in just a few years with the right coaching. What jumps out at me in the second link is the fact that the kid played in 29 games and had only 78 fouls, while averaging over 10 points a game in only a little over 12 minutes played each game. He clearly has developed good body control and knows how to make the most of his minutes.
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Post by Cousin Eddie on May 3, 2014 8:27:30 GMT -6
We need that size and athleticism.
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