'24 INTL PG Bruno Alocen

[jsetliff5]

What did you see to make you think he is a PG? Teel or Cook is our starting PG and Legree is very impressive as a point.

First, from his film, he’s playing very comfortably against high level competition. He was cooking a team that had Carson Edwards playing.
He plays with good pace, I think he shoots the ball better than the guards in the roster, and although not as athletic as the other guards, he finishes well around the basket, which probably has to do with his level of fundamentals.
To your point, he may not be as physical as Teel or Cook, and Legree may end up the best out of all. The timing of the pickup may hurt his chances of playing. But I’m kind of impressed with what I see. I see a player that is fundamentally sound and plays with poise. He won’t be intimidated.

 

[TreeTop]

Might be a redshirt candidate.

That’s my assessment as well.

 

[jsetliff5]

That’s my assessment as well.

you may be right. But I’m not sure that a guy would hop across the Atlantic just to redshirt in Terre Haute.

 

[treeman]

Probably some of our hesitation is we never really seem to "hit" on an international player. The best they've tuned out is 7-9 deep on the roster, never a starter. We will see how this one turns out.

 

[TreeTop]

you may be right. But I’m not sure that a guy would hop across the Atlantic just to redshirt in Terre Haute.

Not even for a full-ride education?

(I’m just assuming he’s on a full scholarship)

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Not even for a full-ride education?

(I’m just assuming he’s on a full scholarship)

These guys are already playing pro ball essentially overseas and have been in club programs for years at this point.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Probably some of our hesitation is we never really seem to "hit" on an international player. The best they've tuned out is 7-9 deep on the roster, never a starter. We will see how this one turns out.

The one caveat and also probably why @jsetliff5 is confident is the country he comes from. It's one thing to be from a 3rd or 4th tier hoops country, but to play in Spain and be on their U18 Euro A team is a step or two up.

The one thing that is odd to me is him being listed 6'2" in some places and 6'7" others. That is some Charles Barkley level height discrepancy. I will say the other guy shown in the first video, #5 (Mario Saint-Supery) is listed as 6'3" and that looks like he was their leading scorer.

 

[sycamorebacker]

I am suspect because I didn't see PG speed or skills in highlights. Looks like a SG with unknown handle and penetrating skills.

 

[TreeTop]

First and foremost, I'm thrilled he's committed.

I'm just skeptical of him being a stand-out on our team during his Freshman season. It takes a lot for an 18-year-old to be an impact player in D-1 basketball. Especially for someone who is several months behind in terms of learning our system.

I'll probably be wrong and he'll be MVC Freshman of the Year.

 

[bigsportsfan]

Done deal.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1829183602854375512

 

[bigsportsfan]

I have now seen 6-2, 6-5 and 6-7 as heights listed online. Will be curious to see how tall he really is.

 

[sycamorebacker]

I like filling up the roster. It, statistically, increases the number of players that will stay for the next year.

 

[jturner38]

I’m surprised we signed another guard. I thought with losing Cannon we would sign a Forward/Big.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

I’m surprised we signed another guard. I thought with losing Cannon we would sign a Forward/Big.

Same. I'm curious on this kids actual height because if he does end up at 6'7", he could be a wing I suppose. But yeah, fully anticipate seeing some Bledson-at-the-5-esque lineups.

 

[bigsportsfan]

First and foremost, I'm thrilled he's committed.

I'm just skeptical of him being a stand-out on our team during his Freshman season. It takes a lot for an 18-year-old to be an impact player in D-1 basketball. Especially for someone who is several months behind in terms of learning our system.

I'll probably be wrong and he'll be MVC Freshman of the Year.

I'll take that!

 

[True Blue]

Graves said during the interview that they felt they needed more ball handling

 

[Darth Sycamore]

I like filling up the roster. It, statistically, increases the number of players that will stay for the next year.

Weren't you in the 2024-25 eligibility chart thread swearing we didn't need to add anyone to replace Cannon's scholarship this year? lol

 

[jturner38]

Graves said during the interview that they felt they needed more ball handling

Was this before or after signing Legree?

 

[True Blue]

Was this before or after signing Legree?

I think it he was more specifically talking about why they signed Legree but like I said, I came into the interview late

 

[sycamorebacker]

Weren't you in the 2024-25 eligibility chart thread swearing we didn't need to add anyone to replace Cannon's scholarship this year? lol

Yes. Not sure what this guy brings. Legree really looks good, though. Legree was a bonus through his relationship with Coach Johnson. It was my opinion we would not sign someone that would not crack the top 9. I thought Cook and Teel gave us enough ball handling. Of course, I have not seen any practices. Both of the new guys missed a lot of valuable practice time.
And Cook and Teel are not guaranteed for next year, either.

One of 2 things: this guy is good and/or the '25 prospect list does not give them what they want.