Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

That looks promising. Not having an inside presence really hurt IUP the last couple years so I’m glad to see it’s being addressed. Before we get too excited though, he only saw action in six games last season at UT Martin and for few minutes. Of course, D2 might be just where he belongs and maybe he’ll make an immediate impact. Looks like he has some ball handling and outside shooting skills for a man his size. I’m optimistic.

The low games played was due to him taking a redshirt. So, at least Joe can't redshirt him. LOL.

He could transition very nicely to the PSAC.

I saw him in high school several times. He can move for that size.

I'd agree on the roster makeup ... I think Joe was losing his mind the past two years not having a legit, big-body post player. He's got two big boys on the way and also has 6'9" Harry Keighley coming off redshirt. Keighley has good reviews but they really needed him to bulk up this off-season (like 30 pounds). We'll see.

Looking back at last season, I don't think we can fairly judge Bautista yet. Joe's offense is purely designed for 2 (at most 3) players to ever score the basketball. When you aren't one of those players, you become one of his 'garbagemen' and you're only real stats have to be self-created on put-backs, etc.

He's going to have quite a different role this upcoming season.

Now ... we just need a guard (or two) from the transfer portal. I do like the three Joe has returning (Kymani, Herring and Sfanos). Sfanos could have easily been in the rotation last season.

I'm not ruling out, by the way, that Christian Moore could come back. He did the faux Senior Day show last year and entered the Portal as a grad transfer. Needless to say Joe would welcome him back in a heartbeat.

I fully realize in this day and age high school recruits no longer excite anybody (myself included) ... but Joe has a loaded class signed (with hopefully one more 'big' one coming). Now, will any of them see their Junior seasons at IUP? That's unfortunately the major elephant in the college basketball room.

[EyeoftheHawk]

That looks promising. Not having an inside presence really hurt IUP the last couple years so I’m glad to see it’s being addressed. Before we get too excited though, he only saw action in six games last season at UT Martin and for few minutes. Of course, D2 might be just where he belongs and maybe he’ll make an immediate impact. Looks like he has some ball handling and outside shooting skills for a man his size. I’m optimistic.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

IUP has signed 6'11" PF/C Ama Sow from UT-Martin.

He is from Dakar but played high school basketball in the WPIAL (Montour).

This team got real big underneath in the past week.

Sow has an incredible backstory.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

There is a big fish still on the market within the WPIAL high school ranks.

Trouble for IUP, however, is he's tearing up the Spring circuit (and getting major sudden attention).

IUP offered him about 60 days ago and to my knowledge he hasn't signed (anywhere). It certainly seems he's holding out for some tier of D1.

But, the clock is ticking.

At best he'd be at IUP for (maybe) 2 years. But, it would be worth it.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

There better be 3-4 more to go with it.

I sure hope there are some transfers they've just been able to keep quiet (aside from the JUCO player).

Thus far Joe essentially has an all-freshmen class.

I'm personally no longer interested in developing true freshmen for the future benefit of others.


IUP has four experienced players coming back ... which is actually more than most. But, if Joe wants to be in the mix next year he needs some ready-to-go guys. Relying on true freshmen (and not redshirting them) will drive him crazy.

[EyeoftheHawk]

We have an exciting new commitment!

There better be 3-4 more to go with it.

[blackhawkdown]

We have an exciting new commitment!

[IUPalum]

Not sure but I’m guessing walk-on. He has D2 ability, but more of a project in my opinion. It doesn’t make sense for coaches to invest much money on projects these days but if he can be a good program kid and was wanting to go to IUP anyway, it makes sense.

Todd

[EyeoftheHawk]

Scholarship or walk-on ?

Not sure but I’m guessing walk-on. He has D2 ability, but more of a project in my opinion. It doesn’t make sense for coaches to invest much money on projects these days but if he can be a good program kid and was wanting to go to IUP anyway, it makes sense.

[IUPalum]

Local product (Marion Center, 3A) Kam Rozier has committed to IUP. He averaged 18.3 ppg as a senior and was their best player there for the last three seasons. He’s 6’4” with a good frame and can play anywhere on the floor. He is, however, a product of the Heritage Conference where he didn’t see the best competition night in and night out. I give Joe credit for signing a local kid, although this is a pretty big step up in class.

Todd

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Local product (Marion Center, 3A) Kam Rozier has committed to IUP. He averaged 18.3 ppg as a senior and was their best player there for the last three seasons. He’s 6’4” with a good frame and can play anywhere on the floor. He is, however, a product of the Heritage Conference where he didn’t see the best competition night in and night out. I give Joe credit for signing a local kid, although this is a pretty big step up in class.

Scholarship or walk-on ?

[EyeoftheHawk]

Local product (Marion Center, 3A) Kam Rozier has committed to IUP. He averaged 18.3 ppg as a senior and was their best player there for the last three seasons. He’s 6’4” with a good frame and can play anywhere on the floor. He is, however, a product of the Heritage Conference where he didn’t see the best competition night in and night out. I give Joe credit for signing a local kid, although this is a pretty big step up in class.

[Fightingscot82]

The Pittsburgh Trib is reporting that former IUP head coach Tom Beck has died at 93.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Weird things going on in Indiana.

Appears to be headed directly to the crash site.

[IUPalum]

Per Twitter (his), Ralphie Blundo has signed with Westminster.

I didn't even know he was in the Portal.

Weird things going on in Indiana.