Justin Simon Commitment

Quote from: Marco Baldi on April 21, 2016, 10:27:14 AM

Who is this guy "slim" on Twitter? From PSA cardinals?

"Johnnies have no options but to bring in foreigners and transfers"

Kind of true it seems. I'm happy about Simon but really Ponds, Lovett and Yakwe (maybe not 100% sure he was top 100) have really been the only true top 100 HS kids Mullin and co have been able to sign. Is this going to be the norm going forward? Seems like we're struggling to land a bunch of our targets. Just playing devils advocate here. I love the transfers we've been able to get.

This staff is putting on a clinic on how to build a perennial top 25 team from scratch.  You land some quality low 4-star and high 3-star recruits.  Then add a few transfers and JUCO's to increase the talent base and depth across the board.  They won't all pan out, but it's a good foundation.  Of course you shoot for some of the top recruits as well, but they are long shots since most want to go to a program that is winning now.  Once we start winning, I think we'll have a good shot at landing some of these top recruits.

Anyone know where Simon was ranked coming out of HS? What is his game like?

Quote from: Marco Baldi on April 21, 2016, 10:27:14 AM

Who is this guy "slim" on Twitter? From PSA cardinals?

"Johnnies have no options but to bring in foreigners and transfers"

Kind of true it seems. I'm happy about Simon but really Ponds, Lovett and Yakwe (maybe not 100% sure he was top 100) have really been the only true top 100 HS kids Mullin and co have been able to sign. Is this going to be the norm going forward? Seems like we're struggling to land a bunch of our targets. Just playing devils advocate here. I love the transfers we've been able to get.

First of all we were like an expansion team last year, so we have do  something to jump start the program coming off a last place BE finish You cant blame the staff for MCD AAs not banging our door down at this time. Start winning and the recruits will follow.. Nothing is a guarantee in life. But, Simon is a 6 5, top 30 recruit w another year to work on his skills and 3 years of eligibility left. I don't think anyone should complain about that pickup. In an ideal world scholis would be balanced better re classes.. W transfers, JUCOS, there are ways to remedy the imbalance of scholis.

Anyone know where Simon was ranked coming out of HS? What is his game like?

5 star 25-40 range. Many comparisons have been made. Big, athletic, and very long pass first guard.

These two guys are like chess pieces our staff just picked up. They will allow for us to play and way imaginable. Big, small, fast, shooters, defenders, lefties, righties. Cant wait

Quote from: Lycidas on April 21, 2016, 10:58:39 AM

In 2017, would you rather be working two kids out of high school into the rotation or Simon and Clark? We just had a year of watching our freshmen (Mussini, Ellison, Yakwe, and Sima) punished on the court by older, more mature, more experienced players. Simon and Clark will be those older, more mature, more experienced players, and they will be playing for us.  We will still be able to add at least one impact 2017 kid, and possibly more. Rosters don't stay static in college ball in this age of easy transferring and kids wanting playing time.

+1

+2 Lycidas posts have been knocking them out of the park!

This was Simon's scouting report from Espn coming out of HS (#37 in the class)

Simon is a rangy point guard who has improved all aspects of his game. He pushes the ball well in the open court, has terrific vision, and his passing is special in the open court. He is an outstanding athlete who affects the game with his length, assertiveness, and IQ.
Weaknesses:
Simon has made some progress with the consistency of his much-maligned jump shot. However, he still needs to smoothen out his release and get on balance when squaring up for his shot. In addition, improving his point guard skills (high screen and roll) and not leaving his feet while passing should improve his efficiency.
Bottom Line:
Simon is one of the more intriguing prospects out west due to his perimeter skill set, energy, and energy. If his jump shot comes around, his upside is immense

This was Simon's scouting report from Espn coming out of HS (#37 in the class)

Simon is a rangy point guard who has improved all aspects of his game. He pushes the ball well in the open court, has terrific vision, and his passing is special in the open court. He is an outstanding athlete who affects the game with his length, assertiveness, and IQ.
Weaknesses:
Simon has made some progress with the consistency of his much-maligned jump shot. However, he still needs to smoothen out his release and get on balance when squaring up for his shot. In addition, improving his point guard skills (high screen and roll) and not leaving his feet while passing should improve his efficiency.
Bottom Line:
Simon is one of the more intriguing prospects out west due to his perimeter skill set, energy, and energy. If his jump shot comes around, his upside is immense

A year off with two fall of famers training him could do wonders for this kid. He is humbled for Arizona and I think he will work his tail off this season. He could be a monster for us, we will see.

A year off for both Clark and Simon should be extremely helpful.  Simon can work on his shot mechanics with guys like Mullin and both should know the system and be in great shape when they hit the court. 2017'.  It also creates a practice squad that can test next year's starters all year.  It makes a difference when practicing against a squad that is at same level as you are.

This is the big one boys. Kid can defend four positions, so we can switch anything on d. He can play 1-3 on offense (mostly 2 and 3).  This is the model of an impact transfer that can propel a program if it works out. Who knows if it will, but it's about damn time for us to have something like this work out in our favor.

I just really like the way he fits with Lovett, Ponds, and even Mussini. Actual legitimate ball-handlers.

This is the big one boys. Kid can defend four positions, so we can switch anything on d. He can play 1-3 on offense (mostly 2 and 3).  This is the model of an impact transfer that can propel a program if it works out. Who knows if it will, but it's about damn time for us to have something like this work out in our favor.

I just really like the way he fits with Lovett, Ponds, and even Mussini. Actual legitimate ball-handlers.

Mostly 2 and 3?     He's a point guard Marillac.

This is the big one boys. Kid can defend four positions, so we can switch anything on d. He can play 1-3 on offense (mostly 2 and 3).  This is the model of an impact transfer that can propel a program if it works out. Who knows if it will, but it's about damn time for us to have something like this work out in our favor.

I just really like the way he fits with Lovett, Ponds, and even Mussini. Actual legitimate ball-handlers.

I have read conflicting things on him also. Supposedly a relentless defender which we need. But I have also read he is a PG. and in other articles a SG. Has anyone watched him play?

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Not for us he's not.  He's a kid that can handle the ball and get to the rim at the two--which he will defend.  He's also big enough to easily handle the wing in three guard sets. 

It's not 1985 anymore, you can't get stuck on defined PG and SG roles.  Kemba-Napier, Napier-Boatwright, Arch-Brunson...need I say more?  His biggest value to us is his versatility and skill/athletic level for his size. 

Quote from: desco80 on April 21, 2016, 04:21:55 PM

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Not for us he's not.  He's a kid that can handle the ball and get to the rim at the two--which he will defend.  He's also big enough to easily handle the wing in three guard sets. 

It's not 1985 anymore, you can't get stuck on defined PG and SG roles.  Kemba-Napier, Napier-Boatwright, Arch-Brunson...need I say more?  His biggest value to us is his versatility and skill/athletic level for his size. 

He sure can play PG.  maybe more of a point forward at his size?  We shall see, but he brings a versatile skill set and a very athletic and defensive-oriented game which will be fantastic.  Big recruit for us.

Quote from: thetruth8734 on April 21, 2016, 10:48:49 AM

Quote from: Marco Baldi on April 21, 2016, 10:27:14 AM

Who is this guy "slim" on Twitter? From PSA cardinals?

"Johnnies have no options but to bring in foreigners and transfers"

Kind of true it seems. I'm happy about Simon but really Ponds, Lovett and Yakwe (maybe not 100% sure he was top 100) have really been the only true top 100 HS kids Mullin and co have been able to sign. Is this going to be the norm going forward? Seems like we're struggling to land a bunch of our targets. Just playing devils advocate here. I love the transfers we've been able to get.

This staff is putting on a clinic on how to build a perennial top 25 team from scratch.  You land some quality low 4-star and high 3-star recruits.  Then add a few transfers and JUCO's to increase the talent base and depth across the board.  They won't all pan out, but it's a good foundation.  Of course you shoot for some of the top recruits as well, but they are long shots since most want to go to a program that is winning now.  Once we start winning, I think we'll have a good shot at landing some of these top recruits.

you have to be a perennial top 25 team before you can be called a perennial top 25 team

Quote from: desco80 on April 21, 2016, 04:21:55 PM

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Not for us he's not.  He's a kid that can handle the ball and get to the rim at the two--which he will defend.  He's also big enough to easily handle the wing in three guard sets. 

It's not 1985 anymore, you can't get stuck on defined PG and SG roles.  Kemba-Napier, Napier-Boatwright, Arch-Brunson...need I say more?  His biggest value to us is his versatility and skill/athletic level for his size. 

Uhh yes he will be.
Why are you being unnecessarily difficult?  Everyone considers Simon a point guard. 
I'm very familiar with the trend towards do everything combo guards and multiple guard lineups. 
But this is not a player with the scorers mentality of a Kemba or Napier or a guy with Archs shooting touch. 

Just let the kid play the position he is suited for.  Yes he's big.  Which is great for our defense.  Lot of flexibility to switch on pick n rolls.
BUT he is a primary ballhandler.  Call that what you want, but where I'm from its a point guard.

Quote from: Marillac on April 21, 2016, 08:08:27 PM

Quote from: desco80 on April 21, 2016, 04:21:55 PM

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Not for us he's not.  He's a kid that can handle the ball and get to the rim at the two--which he will defend.  He's also big enough to easily handle the wing in three guard sets. 

It's not 1985 anymore, you can't get stuck on defined PG and SG roles.  Kemba-Napier, Napier-Boatwright, Arch-Brunson...need I say more?  His biggest value to us is his versatility and skill/athletic level for his size. 

He sure can play PG.  maybe more of a point forward at his size?  We shall see, but he brings a versatile skill set and a very athletic and defensive-oriented game which will be fantastic.  Big recruit for us.

I think versatile is the key word. That is where his value lies IMO. He looks like a two that can slash, run secondary transition off his own rebounds and steals, and spread the ball. Reach looks pretty crazy.   It's imperative in today's college game to have two or three guys that can create off the bounce, lead the break, and run the offense in the half court. That's how you take advantage of mismatches.

Lovett is a born pg. Simon shows signs of compensating for his left and has a higher dribble than you'd like to see from a point, but shows a + handle for a two. I think he'd look great in a three m-guard lineup. Maybe put Ahmed and Yakwe in there and just run past everyone,

Quote from: kg44 on April 21, 2016, 12:39:21 PM

Quote from: thetruth8734 on April 21, 2016, 10:48:49 AM

Quote from: Marco Baldi on April 21, 2016, 10:27:14 AM

Who is this guy "slim" on Twitter? From PSA cardinals?

"Johnnies have no options but to bring in foreigners and transfers"

Kind of true it seems. I'm happy about Simon but really Ponds, Lovett and Yakwe (maybe not 100% sure he was top 100) have really been the only true top 100 HS kids Mullin and co have been able to sign. Is this going to be the norm going forward? Seems like we're struggling to land a bunch of our targets. Just playing devils advocate here. I love the transfers we've been able to get.

This staff is putting on a clinic on how to build a perennial top 25 team from scratch.  You land some quality low 4-star and high 3-star recruits.  Then add a few transfers and JUCO's to increase the talent base and depth across the board.  They won't all pan out, but it's a good foundation.  Of course you shoot for some of the top recruits as well, but they are long shots since most want to go to a program that is winning now.  Once we start winning, I think we'll have a good shot at landing some of these top recruits.

you have to be a perennial top 25 team before you can be called a perennial top 25 team

Haha!  I was thinking the same. 

Quote from: Marillac on April 21, 2016, 08:08:27 PM

Quote from: desco80 on April 21, 2016, 04:21:55 PM

Holy crap.   Let's not handle this like Lavin would.

He's a pg.  His ball handling and court vision are his strengths, his weakness (if he has one) is his jump shot.   
Let's not move him off the ball before he already plays a game here.

Not for us he's not.  He's a kid that can handle the ball and get to the rim at the two--which he will defend.  He's also big enough to easily handle the wing in three guard sets. 

It's not 1985 anymore, you can't get stuck on defined PG and SG roles.  Kemba-Napier, Napier-Boatwright, Arch-Brunson...need I say more?  His biggest value to us is his versatility and skill/athletic level for his size. 

Uhh yes he will be.
Why are you being unnecessarily difficult?  Everyone considers Simon a point guard. 
I'm very familiar with the trend towards do everything combo guards and multiple guard lineups. 
But this is not a player with the scorers mentality of a Kemba or Napier or a guy with Archs shooting touch. 

Just let the kid play the position he is suited for.  Yes he's big.  Which is great for our defense.  Lot of flexibility to switch on pick n rolls.
BUT he is a primary ballhandler.  Call that what you want, but where I'm from its a point guard.

Honestly, I think it's fairly obvious he's not a pg but it's just my opinion and we can disagree. Zona didn't use him as a PG either. I don't see nearly the same value in him if he was recruited to be a point.  Maybe down the line but I think Lovett and Ponds would be better options for pg.