2012 ESPN 100: Aberration or Anomaly?

[Freethinker]

I know that the NCAA tournament just ended and most of us here are either indifferent to basketball or college-hooped-out but I stumbled upon this and thought it was worth sharing. Looking at a recruiting top-anything list in either basketball or football is usually an exercise in futility. A root canal may even be preferable. However, this incoming class has 20 White athletes out of 100. A mere 20 you may say but normally these things have less than 10 or even less than 5. Remember many Whites that do make it in hoops are 2-3 star recruits or walk-ons so having a bunch of 4-5 star guys is a plus. I hope this serves as a "who and which programs to watch" guide. The list:

RK

PLAYER

POS

HOMETOWN

HT

WT

STARS

GRADE

SCHOOL

4

Kaleb Tarczewski Video | Scouts Report

C

Claremont, NH St. Mark's School

7'0''

240

5

97

Arizona Signed

6

Steven Adams Video | Scouts Report

C

New Zealand, SP Notre Dame Prep

6'10''

235

5

97

Pittsburgh Signed

17

Sam Dekker Video | Scouts Report

SF

Sheboygan, WI Sheboygan Lutheran High School

6'7''

195

5

97

Wisconsin Signed

27

Mitch McGary Video | Scouts Report

PF

Chesterton, IN Brewster Academy

6'10''

225

4

96

Michigan Signed

39

Adam Woodbury Video | Scouts Report

C

Sioux City, IA East High School

6'11''

225

4

95

Iowa Signed

44

Tyler Lewis Video | Scouts Report

PG

Statesville, NC Oak Hill Academy

5'11''

165

4

94

N Carolina St Signed

46

Ryan Arcidiacono Video | Scouts Report

PG

Langhorne, PA Neshaminy High School

6'3''

185

4

94

Villanova Signed

 

[Freethinker]

RK

PLAYER

POS

HOMETOWN

HT

WT

STARS

GRADE

SCHOOL

47

Katin Reinhardt Video | Scouts Report

SG

San Juan Capistrano, CA Mater Dei High School

6'5''

190

4

94

UNLV Signed

52

Evan Nolte Video | Scouts Report

SF

Alpharetta, GA Milton High School

6'7''

190

4

94

Virginia Signed

66

Rosco Allen Video | Scouts Report

SF

Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman High School

6'9''

210

4

93

Stanford Signed

67

Jake Layman Video | Scouts Report

SF

Wrentham, MA King Philip Regional High School

6'8''

190

4

93

Maryland Signed

75

Mike Gesell Video | Scouts Report

PG

Sioux City, NE South Sioux City High School

6'1''

185

4

92

Iowa Signed

76

Nik Stauskas Video | Scouts Report

SF

Mississauga, Ont., CAN St. Mark's School

6'6''

205

4

92

Michigan Signed

78

Kellen Dunham Video | Scouts Report

SG

Pendleton, IN Pendleton Heights High School

6'5''

170

4

92

Butler Signed

 

[Freethinker]

RK

PLAYER

POS

HOMETOWN

HT

WT

STARS

GRADE

SCHOOL

80

Mike Tobey Video | Scouts Report

C

Monroe, NY Blair Academy

6'11''

210

4

92

Virginia Signed

85

Kenny Kaminski Video | Scouts Report

PF

Medina, OH Medina Senior High School

6'7''

230

4

92

Michigan St Signed

86

Matt Costello Video | Scouts Report

PF

Linwood, MI Bay City Western High School

6'9''

225

4

92

Michigan St Signed

88

Grant Verhoeven Video | Scouts Report

C

Visalia, CA Central Valley Christian School

6'8''

215

4

92

Stanford Signed

93

Connor Lammert Video | Scouts Report

PF

San Antonio, TX Winston Churchill High

6'10''

220

4

92

Texas Signed

99

Alex Caruso Video | Scouts Report

SG

College Station, TX A & M Consolidated High

6'5''

180

4

92

Texas A&M Signed

Break down by position:
PG - 3
SG - 3
SF - 5
PF - 4
C - 5

Nice to see the 3 point guards and a blend of talent at all the positions.

Michigan, Michigan St, Iowa, Stanford and Virginia all had 2 top 100 White recruits. Great to see these programs going in the right direction. On the other hand, Duke who used to consistently get top 100 White guys has zero.

 

[Jimmy Chitwood]

Break down by position:
PG - 3
SG - 3
SF - 5
PF - 4
C - 5

Nice to see the 3 point guards and a blend of talent at all the positions.

Michigan, Michigan St, Iowa, Stanford and Virginia all had 2 top 100 White recruits. Great to see these programs going in the right direction. On the other hand, Duke who used to consistently get top 100 White guys has zero.

good comments all around, Freethinker.

it will be interesting to see what happens with the Dukies ... they did offer 1 White kid this year (Mitch McGary), but he chose to go to Michigan. as of right now, they've only got 1 commitment for the 2012 class (although they are in the running for a trio of additional playmakuhs). they do, however, have two highly-touted/rated/recruited White athletes who will be freshman in the fall. both Alex Murphy (6-8 small forward) and Marshall Plumlee (6-11 power forward/center) redshirted this year.

additionally, rumors have it that Austin Rivers is going to make the jump to the NBA ... that will throw a monkey wrench in the works for Coach K, as the backcourt with the "talented" Rivers was already the weak point of the team, both in terms of play (plagued by poor passing, defense, decision making and selfishness) and depth. the frontcourt should remain an area of strength, though, with Mason Plumlee eschewing the NBA, the return of Ryan Kelly, and the potential of Murphy and MP3.

 

[Freethinker]

the frontcourt should remain an area of strength, though, with Mason Plumlee eschewing the NBA, the return of Ryan Kelly, and the potential of Murphy and MP3.

That front-court is loaded. I hope Murphy and MP3 can get quality minutes. Unfortunately, talented Whites always seem to get stuck behind other Whites at Duke. As for the back-court, why can't Duke find another Scheyer or Redd1ck? They are out there but Coach K seems to not be interested anymore.

On another unrelated note, I thought Arcidiacono would be the top White point guard in the country so I was rather surprised to see Tyler Lewis ahead of him. For a 5'-11" pale PG to rank that high on BSPN, I figured he must be REALLY good. His highlights are impressive. This kids a dynamo. Explosive, great vision, ball-handling and a Steve Nash / Jason Williams flair. NC State is getting a great playmaker.

[video=youtube;omMlu7zxjD8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMlu7zxjD8[/video]

 

[Deadlift]

Nice thread, Freethinker!


Sad truth is, too many so-called "White Pride folks" are afflicted with a combination of jealousy (of good White basketball players), and also don't understand the game of b-ball. For example, when a White big succeeds they'll say - "Oh, he's just big! If I was 6-9, I'd be Kevin Love. If I was 6-10, I'd be Gortat! If I was a 7-footer, I'd be Marc Gasol or Andrew Bogut!"

This is false. The vast majority of bigs -- of ALL colors and creeds -- fall into 2 categories (on the college level and above).. underwhelming is one and outright failure is the other. Sometimes there are other circumstances, like David Lee getting "frozen out" at Florida or Ryan Kelly only getting shots after A-Riv, Curry and Dawkins get their "boatload of shots." Ryan Kelly is the type of talent that needs to be involved in the offense and get his rhythm going.


What has gone on in recent years is really almost unprecedented.. we go from the shorter-limbed Luc Longleys and Bryant "Big Country" Reeves to the long-limbed Marcin Gortat, Nikola Vucevic, Cole Aldrich, Josh McRoberts, Chas McFarland, Gordon Heyward, Jason Smith, Koufos, Mozgov, Withey, Tyler Zeller, Chandler Parsons, Ryan Kelly, Ilyasova (might be a little mixed), Clint Chapman, Natyazhko (seemed to enjoy being screwed by Zona - with his smiling.. but should be able to carve something out in Europe), Jack Cooley, Mike Muscala, Jon Kreft, Daniel Miller and several more. Sadly, however, what I just revealed could cause even more jealousy -- this incredible "White evolution" of sorts that has taken place in b-ball. Also, White bigs are inspiring each other now, so the (skilled) Big Man on Campus isn't going away.

However, it's our job to try to give honest evaluations of particular White ballers. If we give evaluations that are wrong - time after time - we'll be discredited and people will be turned-off and liable to say, "F-basketball!" Being honest will go a long way. And I'm talking about athletes that are on the college level, where many people have access to watching them (on TV) and can evaluate their development over time.

 

[The Hock]

Good link, and encouraging. I did spot a little castespeak in one scouting report. One kid was described as "deceptively bouncey." But hey, maybe that's a good thing.

 

[Rebajlo]

Freethinker - The New Zealander Steven Adams has coconut written all over his face:

I've just run a quick search and found that he is the half-brother of the current women's world shot put champion Valerie Adams, who is half-Tongan.

I may know naff all about basketball, but being Australian I am quite adept at spotting New Zealanders of mixed Pacific Islander ancestry... :icon_wink:

 

[Deadlift]

Rebajlo,

Good research! From the little picture of Steven Adams at the top of this page, I couldn't help but notice those "thick eye-brows"....


P.S. -- So, it's true, PITT doesn't want White ballers..

 

[Freethinker]

Good catch Rebajlo. I guess everyone can root for or against him at their own discretion. I will most likely support him unless they play up his Islander ancestry. Also, the average American hoops fan lacks the intelligence and racial awareness to see this guy as anything other than some "White stiff" from a country they couldn't locate on a map. Remember many Americans can't grasp the concept that Spaniards are White and getting into Argentinians and Uruguayans could cause their heads to explode. If Adams helps smash the negro supremacist myth, I see that as a plus.

 

[FootballDad]

Good catch Rebajlo. I guess everyone can root for or against him at their own discretion. I will most likely support him unless they play up his Islander ancestry. Also, the average American hoops fan lacks the intelligence and racial awareness to see this guy as anything other than some "White stiff" from a country they couldn't locate on a map. Remember many Americans can't grasp the concept that Spaniards are White and getting into Argentinians and Uruguayans could cause their heads to explode. If Adams helps smash the negro supremacist myth, I see that as a plus.

Well said, Freethinker. Unless the talking heads can convince the DWF's that they are rooting for Troy Polamalu's long-lost cousin, they will see him as an unathletic, to-be-hated, white stiff who is taking away a position and scholly from some underpriveledged black "yout" who has more "upside".

 

[Jimmy Chitwood]

not to be a stick in the mud, but isn't "aberration" a synonym for "anomaly"? :target: :madgrin:

 

[Freethinker]

not to be a stick in the mud, but isn't "aberration" a synonym for "anomaly"? :target: :madgrin:

Aberration - the act of departing from the right, normal, or usual course
Anomaly - a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form

I guess you could say they are synonyms. I wanted to propose the question, is this a trend away from normality or a one time exception?

 

[Freethinker]

Jack Lambert got the college hoops thread started with a great post and I fully intend to contribute to it some teams and players to watch. However, first I thought it be appropriate to look back before we look forward. The 2012 recruiting class really was an anomaly with 20 Whites on the list. For comparison, the ESPN 2015 top 100 only has 10 Whites which is about par for the course. So let's see what happened to all of these top recruits.

Kaleb Tarczewski played in a reserve role his freshman year and started last season. He starts at center for the preseason #2 ranked Wildcats and should be in the NBA after this year or next.

Steven Adams jumped to the NBA after a mediocre freshman season. Played as a reserve last year. Starting center in his 2nd season for the Thunder!

Sam Dekker has started at SF since his freshman year and gotten better each season. Has grown an inch or 2 since last year's Final 4 run and is poised for a big season for the #3 Badgers. NBA future for sure.

Mitch McGary had a good freshman year then missed all of his sophomore year to injury. Jumped to the NBA after a pot suspension loomed and went late 1st round to the Thunder. Would be playing good minutes but is injured.

Adam Woodbury has started at center since stepping onto Iowa campus. Has been a disappointment so far in my opinion but provides size inside. Hopefully this year he takes a big leap forward.

Tyler Lewis struggled a bit his first 2 years at NC State. Freshman as a reserve and sophomore as a starter. Low scoring output but a good assist to turnover ratio. Needs to improve his shot. Decided to transfer to Butler so will sit out this year and likely slide into the starting unit in 16/17 with 2 years remaining.

Ryan Arcidiacono is going to be a 3 year starter this season. Up and down so far with his scoring and really needs to improve his shot. Good vision and ball handling. Did well to lower his turnovers last year.

Katin Reinhardt had a good freshman year as a starter at UNLV but decided to transfer. He implied his teammates lack of team basketball prompted his decision. Darn negros. Anyway, now he's at USC and will start with 3 years of eligibility remaining.

Evan Nolte has yet to make a major impact and may never. He sporadically started as a freshman but has since been a reserve. Mostly a shooter, he looks to come off the bench again this year on a depleted Virginia team which isn't a good sign for him.

Rosco Allen is a "who?" right now even amongst college hoops fans. Played sparingly as a freshman and then was injured a few minutes into last season missing the year. I'd assume he received a medical redshirt. Anyways, it seems he'll be battling for a reserve role on a pretty talented Stanford team.

Jake Layman has been a good college player so far. Played as a reserve freshman year then started and averaged almost 12 points last year. A good shooter, Jake should be one of the main scoring options again this season for the Terps.

Mike Gesell has started at PG each year at Iowa. Known as a good defender, he improved his assists to turnovers last year. Should increase his scoring load this year and average double figures and lead a very White team to the NCAA tourney.

Nik Stauskas was recently drafted at #10 to the Kings. Pretty good for the 76th ranked prospect in 2012. Blew up his sophomore year at Michigan and could be a more athletic JJ Redick in the NBA.

Kellen Dunham is off to a scorching start at Bulter. Averaged 9.5 and then 16.4 points per game. Looking forward to see what he does this year. 20 ppg could be reachable.

Mike Tobey has started at center for Virginia last season and parts of his first year. Slowly developing. Shown good shot blocking and a good touch around the basket. Hope he takes a big step forward this year.

Kenny Kaminski was dismissed from Michigan State for discipline reasons. He's transferring to Ohio. A shame really as he became a key reserve last year and had a chance at starting or getting big minutes this year. A bonehead.

Matt Costello played sparingly as a freshman but emerged as a sophomore and started midway through it. This year he looks to start at center (or as 1 of the 2 forwards). He showed good shot blocking and rebounding. Hopefully he will be more involved on offense going forward.

Grant Verhoeven has basically been a bust so far. Has played very little his first 2 years at Stanford. Will be fighting for minutes off the bench this year. I'm not very hopeful for his prospects.

Connor Lammert has also been disappointing but doesn't seem to be getting a fair shake at Texas. He's a solid rebounder at least but is slated for a reserve role again this year.

Alex Caruso is a very intriguing player who will be a 3 year starter at A&M. At 6'-5" he can fill the stat sheet. 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.8 blocks and 2.0 steals. He also greatly improved his shooting percentages. I look forward to seeing what he's got in store for his junior year.

So overall, not bad. 3 guys already in the NBA and a few more who will be. Other guys will have good college careers and a few guys still have a chance to develop and bloom. Interesting to see the path of some of these guys all these years later.

 

[DWF Upside]

I'm not trying to troll you here but Evan Nolte is at least 1/4 black. By black standards he's probably a pretty good kid (most likely adopted). He has a lot of pictures where it can be confusing but it's obvious when you see him in video. Just trying to save you guys for when a commie/mad-cow clone hypes up the next Jason Kidd to make us look dumb.



Edited because of violation of posting guideline on racial slurs.

 

[DixieDestroyer]

I think you're correct. He has the thicker lips & kinky hair. I'm a definite proponent of the "1 drop rule", but I bet'cha most DWFs will think he's White.

 

[Freethinker]

Geez I wish I could get even a few comments about the White athletes I've highlighted. Or maybe a theory as to why 2012 had an abnormally high amount of top White recruits and then regressed to the norm in the following years?

Instead, fringe reserve player on fringe top 25 team Virginia might be part black.....

 

[Jack Lambert]

Geez I wish I could get even a few comments about the White athletes I've highlighted. Or maybe a theory as to why 2012 had an abnormally high amount of top White recruits and then regressed to the norm in the following years?

Instead, fringe reserve player on fringe top 25 team Virginia might be part black.....

I've been putting some of my comments in the other thread about a couple of these guys as well. But I see what you mean, Freethinker. I feel the conversation should be geared towards our guys... It's okay to mention it, but at least contribute something else as well.

As for the athletes, most of all of them have came out pretty well!! Having previewed Stanford, it looks like Rosco Allen will have a chance to start this year for the Cardinal. Verhoeven won't see too much time from the looks of it. Dunham will be a great one this year! I'll be previewing Butler sometime today yet, and from watching him his first two years, he'll be great this year. If Lammert wants good minutes, he should transfer. Caruso should be A&M's best player this year as well, but nobody will be talking about him of course. I've been disappointed by Woodbury so far; I'm hoping this is the year he finally mans up and is a physical presence in the post.

I also wonder why 2012 is way higher than everyone else... from looking ahead, 2016 will have about 10 whites or so as well. Maybe we'll begin seeing more white kids in basketball since many parents don't allow their kids to play football anymore.



For the Nolte argument, His older brother, Connor looks completely white, and I haven't found anything at all that even hints at Evan being adopted. So until there's evidence otherwise, he's white.