'11 IN PF Justin Gant (11/12/2010, LOI)

[4Q_iu]

Well he does not have enough offers on the table yet to commit early. I am sure he is waiting to see what other Big Ten offers roll in. I would contest that if an offer from IU or Illinois rolls in that we will be in trouble. He WILL NOT choose another MVC school over us, I am pretty confident about that. It all really depends on how good he plays this year.

I mean we offered the kid, what else would should we be doing? Send him a John Deer? I mean you all are so convinced that he is not coming to Indiana State then I two would be focusing my attention elsewhere as you have indicated that Indiana State has done.

Gant is 6"8, can shoot the rock and play in the post - his coach has been a long time supporter of the Indiana State program. This kid does have the ability to play in the Big Ten, no doubt about that.

I've no idea what the kid will do; I'd say that K-Mac and Lansing can only continue to remind him that State wants him, there's a place for him, say in his ear -- wasn't our early courting of Jake Kitchell critical to his committment?

I know we landed David Moss because Rick Ray looked at that team and knew that Eddy Curry was going straight to the pros and that Melvin Buckley would not sign w/ an MVC school (spent 2 seasons at purdue), so he spent his time on Moss -- didn't turn out too bad...

 

[Jim R]

I am told that X is no longer in the Gant sweepstakes.

That is not accurate. Like Iowa, Xavier had recruiting circumstances change what they are prioritizing in the class of 2011, but both are still involved.

Morgan, I would say the confidence in your statement is misplaced.

As for how Indiana State is handling Justin's recruitment, they are in the unenviable position of being the local team. Justin is getting sincere interest from high major programs, and he is interested in seeing how those play out. Along the way he is taking the time he has to consider a lot of other options, and with a lot of locals saying they "know" what's going on, there is a lot of static.

ISU is doing all they can to recruit Justin from where I sit, and at each step of the process there is an opportunity to grow the relationship.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Morgan, I would say the confidence in your statement is misplaced.

Why is the confidence in my statement misplaced? Please explain your statement to me...

Based on everything you just said, Justin being local and Indiana State doing "everything" they can at this point to recruit him. It would appear that I have ever reason to be confident. I also think that after this season Indiana State will prove that they can compete with just about any team in the country. What is misplaced about anything I said?

And if you are talking about me being confident that he wont choose another MVC school over us then let me put it another way. I am confidently hopeful (if that makes any sense) that he "wouldn't" choose another MVC school over Indiana State. Because to be quite frank that would be a slap in the face... I would have an issue with that.

 

[Jim R]

It's not a kid's responsibility to worry whether or not the schools recruiting him or schools he likes is in the same conference as the home town team. It will have no bearing in his decision, hence what I said in the post above. When you state he "WILL NOT choose another MVC school", it screams certainty, and your confidence is not warranted.

No question things at ISU are looking up from a fan's perspective. That's encouraging on all levels.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Ok fair enough - I think what I did was attempt to qualify my statement by saying that I was/am hopeful that he won't choose another MVC school. I mean quite frankly you can view it as me being negative toward the kid or whatever you want but I don't want to have to play against him for 4 years, so if you are viewing my "confidence" or whatever you want to call it as me being negative toward the kid it's not really like that.

I think it's fair to say as an Indiana State fan that if he indeed does not choose us that many of us would rather him choose a Big Ten school so we don't have to face him and I don't have to watch "what could have been" scenario for 4 years. If you have a problem with me feeling that way then that's on you. I am a fan of Indiana State, what else would you expect?

But for the final time, my confidence in that statement is not supported by anything other than me trying to convince myself that it won't happen. Thanks. Hopefully you can respect the fact that many of us on here are die hard Sycamores fans (not sure what your affiliation is, doesn't matter) but we simply want the best for our program. Gant gives us local flavor and in my mind one of the better prospects we are going to get out of that 2011 class. Don't get to caught up in having to protect his decision whatever it may be.

 

[Jim R]

Ok fair enough - I think what I did was attempt to qualify my statement by saying that I was/am hopeful that he won't choose another MVC school. I mean quite frankly you can view it as me being negative toward the kid or whatever you want but I don't want to have to play against him for 4 years, so if you are viewing my "confidence" or whatever you want to call it as me being negative toward the kid it's not really like that.

I think it's fair to say as an Indiana State fan that if he indeed does not choose us that many of us would rather him choose a Big Ten school so we don't have to face him and I don't have to watch "what could have been" scenario for 4 years. If you have a problem with me feeling that way then that's on you. I am a fan of Indiana State, what else would you expect?

But for the final time, my confidence in that statement is not supported by anything other than me trying to convince myself that it won't happen. Thanks. Hopefully you can respect the fact that many of us on here are die hard Sycamores fans (not sure what your affiliation is, doesn't matter) but we simply want the best for our program. Gant gives us local flavor and in my mind one of the better prospects we are going to get out of that 2011 class. Don't get to caught up in having to protect his decision whatever it may be.

Your last paragraph is certainly understandable, and I never assumed you were negative toward Gant or would necessarily be if he ended up elsewhere in the MVC, beyond rooting against him when they played ISU.

Now if I can get Svoboda to answer my private message (non-Gant or ISU recruiting related), all will be good.

 

[TJames]

was on Scout.com

Justin Gant (6’8”, 200 lbs) has used his versatility to lead Terre Haute North High to a 3-0 start to the season after finishing 8-15 last year and losing in the sectional opener. Gant credits his coaches for the early turnaround. The Indiana junior has set a goal of winning the sectional title and beyond.
During the 2008-09 campaign, Gant said he averaged around 13 to 14 points and 8 rebounds. He shot an impressive 78% from the line and 50% from behind the arc (on 18 attempts). In three games this season, Gant is averaging 15 points and 9.7 rebounds.

Next summer, Gant intends to return to Jim Reamer’s Spiece Select AAU team. Gant’s AAU teammates include other Miami RedHawk 2011 recruiting targets from the Hoosier state: 6’5” SF Zac VanDeWater (S. Whitley Whitko H.S.), 6’5” 2G Kendall Griffin (Avon H.S.) and 6’8” PF Tyler Greathouse (Columbus North H.S.). Many may recall that Coach Reamer’s Spiece Select program produced current Miami sophomore forward Julian Mavunga.

Although early into his junior year, Gant already has seven scholarship offers from NCAA Division I schools. Gant said the schools that have offered him are Miami-OH, Southern Illinois, Indiana State, Iowa, Evansville, Bradley, and Rice. Gant mentioned Michigan, Butler, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Stanford are also showing interest. In previous Scout.com features, it was mentioned that Minnesota, Indiana, Xavier, and Purdue were also interested.

Gant intends to sit down with his family in the upcoming weeks and narrow it down to 5 schools.

Gant has made unofficial visits to four schools. Michigan and Notre Dame have had him visit for football games. He has also visited SIU and Miami. He said of all four schools: “They are all great schools, I like the coaches, and they have good basketball.”

Gant is a looking for a school that has “a playing style where (he) can be successful and help the team.” The school must have good coaching and academics. He also wants a school that has the program in which he wishes to major.

Academically, Gant has a 3.4 GPA and is leaning toward majoring in business. He currently takes business classes in high school.

On his visit to Miami, he toured the new business school. Gant said of the school, “It was really nice. The building was really nice. The classrooms used all the new technology.”

The business school was not all that Gant appreciated about the Oxford, Ohio campus. Gant said of his campus tour, “It was beautiful, I liked it. I was taken to the arena (Millett Hall) and it looked like a fun place to play. Then I was taken to the coaches’ offices and shown a video of campus.” Gant said it was a school he could see himself attending.

Although his father Michael Gant works with commuter students for nearby Indiana State, Gant says that does not necessarily mean he is a lock for the Sycamores. Gant said “it is not a huge advantage” and he does not mind traveling some distance to college.

The standout described his game as similar to Derrick Brown of NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats. Gant explained, “I play inside and out. I will be a 3/4 in college, but play 4/5 in high school. I like to take big guys to the perimeter and use my speed. For small guys, I take them to the post.” Gant is working on getting stronger, heavier, and wants to improve his 3 point shot even further.

Outside of basketball, Gant and his family have a “strong faith in Christ. Not only does the Gant family attend church every Sunday, but Gant also participates in youth

 

[sycamorebacker]

Why is it nobody thinks they're a college center? Kids don't want to do the hard, dirty work anymore?

I remember Kitchell saying he was not a center then he goes out and gets 26 rebounds and blocks about 10 shots.

 

[Eleven]

Probably because they know that it's a huge leap from high school to college in terms of sheer size.

 

[Jim R]

Why is it nobody thinks they're a college center? Kids don't want to do the hard, dirty work anymore?

I remember Kitchell saying he was not a center then he goes out and gets 26 rebounds and blocks about 10 shots.

The game has changed. 6'8" is no longer necessarily a center. What's wrong with a kid being and knowing he's best suited as a player who can play inside and out, and one who is likely better at rebounding in "space" rather than banging his body on every possession?

Some of the best rebounders in college and the NBA aren't centers. They are players who thrive more in moving to get rebounds instead of muscling underneath for position. A team needs a little to a lot of both kinds, but there is nothing with a 6'8" kid who is versatile in his skill set.

 

[sycamorebacker]

The game has changed. 6'8" is no longer necessarily a center. What's wrong with a kid being and knowing he's best suited as a player who can play inside and out, and one who is likely better at rebounding in "space" rather than banging his body on every possession?

Some of the best rebounders in college and the NBA aren't centers. They are players who thrive more in moving to get rebounds instead of muscling underneath for position. A team needs a little to a lot of both kinds, but there is nothing with a 6'8" kid who is versatile in his skill set.

I hear a lot about 6'8" kids that can shoot the 3 and play the 3. GARBAGE! The best 3's are smaller than that. Lot's of mid and high majors have very good centers that are about that size. If I'm recruiting a player that's 6'8" and has some weight for a mid major, I don't want someone that thinks he's a guard. We can get guards to play guard and shooters to shoot. We need big guys that can roam the paint.

I've seen lots of bigs that liked to play outside, and most of them are not of any benefit. I know I'm generalizing, but that was the way this thread started. And I'm not talking about the NBA or Duke, I'm an ISU fan and that's all I care about.

 

[4Q_iu]

I hear a lot about 6'8" kids that can shoot the 3 and play the 3. GARBAGE! The best 3's are smaller than that. Lot's of mid and high majors have very good centers that are about that size. If I'm recruiting a player that's 6'8" and has some weight for a mid major, I don't want someone that thinks he's a guard. We can get guards to play guard and shooters to shoot. We need big guys that can roam the paint.

I've seen lots of bigs that liked to play outside, and most of them are not of any benefit. I know I'm generalizing, but that was the way this thread started. And I'm not talking about the NBA or Duke, I'm an ISU fan and that's all I care about.

I'm not picky -- I want State to get the best players possible and then the coaching staff to utilize them for wins. If we get a 'Charles Barkley' type center at ~6'6" and he can play (score, defend) that position, I'm fine with it.

If we get a 6'9" kid who's a PG in a 6'9" body (ala Magic Johnson) Who cares?!

GET THE BEST PLAYERS and let the COACHES use them!

 

[Jim R]

I hear a lot about 6'8" kids that can shoot the 3 and play the 3. GARBAGE! The best 3's are smaller than that. Lot's of mid and high majors have very good centers that are about that size. If I'm recruiting a player that's 6'8" and has some weight for a mid major, I don't want someone that thinks he's a guard. We can get guards to play guard and shooters to shoot. We need big guys that can roam the paint.

I've seen lots of bigs that liked to play outside, and most of them are not of any benefit. I know I'm generalizing, but that was the way this thread started. And I'm not talking about the NBA or Duke, I'm an ISU fan and that's all I care about.

And? No one said anything about Gant or any kid of his skill set thinking he's a guard. No one said anything about him thinking he was a 3. Lots of mid and high majors have very good centers that are that size? Really? Lots of mid and high major have centers who weight 215 lbs? Don't confuse height with size. There is a difference.

Many, many college offenses play a no post Motion (capital M), a one post Motion, or a two post Motion where the posts are primarily screeners for perimeters. Even in that formation, there are plenty of opportunities for "bigs" to screen, step out, ball screen, step out, not to mention take second cuts back to the lane. The bottom line is, there is nothing wrong with "bigs" who can step out and play on the perimeter.

None of this deals with the types of systems that really aren't Motion, but certainly involve movement with purpose where bigs play away from the lane, away from the basket. ISU runs such an offense where their 5 man usually starts around FT line, and their 4 man often cuts through and slips down to the paint.

The ability to play on the perimeter doesn't make one a "guard". It doesn't even imply it. What is wrong with having a big who can post and take his man out on the floor? You act like that's a flaw.

If you're recruiting someone who is 6'8"...let's stop there. Here is the bottom line on this. It starts with at the D1 level, "You are who you can guard." It can often be that simple. You've seen lots of bigs that liked to play outside, and most of them are not of any benefit? Ever stop and think this is a HUGE reason why ISU offered Gant before the start of his sophomore season?

Imagine RJ Mahurin with 30 extra pounds. He's going to be a 6'8" kid who can do a lot of things. He played PG a good amount for his school team. He also played a lot inside. He also came off screens. As Mahurin starts to get the weight he needs to compete in the MVC, you're going to love him.

One day, Gant is going to get to 230-240 lbs. He'll be a kid of that size with the ability to play inside and out. What's garbage is pigeon holing kids with this kind of skill set because of some prohibiting way of thinking. Fortunately, his school coach has a system that allows him do a lot of things.

Meanwhile, don't twist the discussion into something it isn't. No one has suggested this kid thinks he's a guard or isn't willing to be a presence inside. You pulled that out of thin air.

 

[sycamorebacker]

I'm not picky -- I want State to get the best players possible and then the coaching staff to utilize them for wins. If we get a 'Charles Barkley' type center at ~6'6" and he can play (score, defend) that position, I'm fine with it.

If we get a 6'9" kid who's a PG in a 6'9" body (ala Magic Johnson) Who cares?!

GET THE BEST PLAYERS and let the COACHES use them!

Absolutely. My point was that it seems there's not many players that want to be centers. They watch too much NBA and TV colleges with their 6'11" C's and their 6'7" SF's and don't grasp the real world, which is all of the non-tv colleges.

 

[sycamorebacker]

And? No one said anything about Gant or any kid of his skill set thinking he's a guard. No one said anything about him thinking he was a 3. Lots of mid and high majors have very good centers that are that size? Really? Lots of mid and high major have centers who weight 215 lbs? Don't confuse height with size. There is a difference.

Many, many college offenses play a no post Motion (capital M), a one post Motion, or a two post Motion where the posts are primarily screeners for perimeters. Even in that formation, there are plenty of opportunities for "bigs" to screen, step out, ball screen, step out, not to mention take second cuts back to the lane. The bottom line is, there is nothing wrong with "bigs" who can step out and play on the perimeter.

None of this deals with the types of systems that really aren't Motion, but certainly involve movement with purpose where bigs play away from the lane, away from the basket. ISU runs such an offense where their 5 man usually starts around FT line, and their 4 man often cuts through and slips down to the paint.

The ability to play on the perimeter doesn't make one a "guard". It doesn't even imply it. What is wrong with having a big who can post and take his man out on the floor? You act like that's a flaw.

If you're recruiting someone who is 6'8"...let's stop there. Here is the bottom line on this. It starts with at the D1 level, "You are who you can guard." It can often be that simple. You've seen lots of bigs that liked to play outside, and most of them are not of any benefit? Ever stop and think this is a HUGE reason why ISU offered Gant before the start of his sophomore season?

Imagine RJ Mahurin with 30 extra pounds. He's going to be a 6'8" kid who can do a lot of things. He played PG a good amount for his school team. He also played a lot inside. He also came off screens. As Mahurin starts to get the weight he needs to compete in the MVC, you're going to love him.

One day, Gant is going to get to 230-240 lbs. He'll be a kid of that size with the ability to play inside and out. What's garbage is pigeon holing kids with this kind of skill set because of some prohibiting way of thinking. Fortunately, his school coach has a system that allows him do a lot of things.

Meanwhile, don't twist the discussion into something it isn't. No one has suggested this kid thinks he's a guard or isn't willing to be a presence inside. You pulled that out of thin air.

I know I've rambled. I just get iritated by scouting services (and players) putting players on the perimeter when they cannot guard a perimeter player (like you said, you are what you can guard) and cannot handle or score outside like a smaller player. Some said RJ was a prospect at the 3. I would like to see him check Kelly or Lathan. See my point? SF's that are 6'4" and can shoot and handle are not that hard to get. When we sign a player 6'8" and over 225, I think the odds are we can use him at the 5. We don't have the luxury of signing 4 players that size and playing them all at 3/4.
So what I want to hear is for recruit to say he wants to get in the lane, defend, rebound and score over people.
I remember going to the top 40 one year and Adler's little brother, 6'9" or so, was camped out on the 3 line. It's like he was afraid of contact and unwilling to get dirty.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Was Indiana State the first school to offer Gant? Does Gant put any stock in that? The fact that we made it known before anyone else that we were willing to offer him a scholarship, that's got to count for something doesn't it?

 

[IndyTreeFan]

I would never base my family and job security on the whims of a bunch of teenagers, like basketball coaches do! Too crazy for me!!! :krazy:

 

[Jim R]

Was Indiana State the first school to offer Gant? Does Gant put any stock in that? The fact that we made it known before anyone else that we were willing to offer him a scholarship, that's got to count for something doesn't it?

Bradley was the first school, but some schools like to be more formal than others. I believe ISU was his second offer. I don't know what kind of a factor it will play in his decision. I don't disagree with what you're saying, and in a lot of cases, it does. I value it, especially if it comes down to tough decisions, but it's up to a kid and his family.

 

[Jim R]

I know I've rambled. I just get iritated by scouting services (and players) putting players on the perimeter when they cannot guard a perimeter player (like you said, you are what you can guard) and cannot handle or score outside like a smaller player. Some said RJ was a prospect at the 3. I would like to see him check Kelly or Lathan. See my point? SF's that are 6'4" and can shoot and handle are not that hard to get. When we sign a player 6'8" and over 225, I think the odds are we can use him at the 5. We don't have the luxury of signing 4 players that size and playing them all at 3/4.
So what I want to hear is for recruit to say he wants to get in the lane, defend, rebound and score over people.
I remember going to the top 40 one year and Adler's little brother, 6'9" or so, was camped out on the 3 line. It's like he was afraid of contact and unwilling to get dirty.

Kelly was the tallest starter at Carmel as a junior and senior. It's a good thing Galloway doesn't share the view you presented. You can't just bias a kid into a position because of his height.

I don't mean to be argumentative, but did you ask if I see your point about players guarding Kelly or Latham? I go by the motto that I often hear, "You are who you can guard." Can you see a 6'8" pure post trying to guard Mahurin out on the floor? Ben Davis put this 6'5", horse of a junior out on the floor to play against Gant. Gant abused him inside then blew around him on the perimeter.

Landon Adler played on the perimeter because that is how he was taught and coached to do. He wasn't the kind of player Jared was, nor should he have been used that way. Landon, like RJ, was used by his coach a great deal as their team's PG. Coaches do things necessary to win games.

It was said that Gant is versatile and can play away from the basket. You turned that into 'I don't want no stinking big man who thinks he's a guard'. Not a quote, but certainly what you conveyed. No one ever suggested that with Gant.

 

[sycamorebacker]

Well, back a few posts, Gant said he was a 3/4. I can almost GUARANTEE that he will play almost no 3 in college. I bet college coaches have told him he will play 3 because that's what he WANTS to hear. THAT is my point.
I can use Elston as an example. I loved his ability the first time I saw him. He has the shot and quickness to play 3. BUT, if IU has a stable full of talented 6'5" guards on the team, where are the minutes for Elston at 3?
So this is back to my point. I don't need a 6'8" 3. I have "little" guys that can do the 3 stuff better.

I don't know what your point was about Kelly. He's a combo guard.

Where do you think RJ will play for us? I'm hoping he and Kitchell will both be interchangeable at 4/5 to give us backups at both positions.