The Top 15 Mid-Major Recruiting Classes of 2009

[Mistachill]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2387 ... 009#page/3

No. 14 Virginia Commonwealth

It's pretty hard for a mid-major coach to replace a star like Eric Maynor, but Virginia Commonwealth's Shaka Smart did a pretty good job by signing in-state stud Darius Theus.

Ranked as the No. 21 point guard in the class, Theus is supposedly a real talent. ESPN says the 6'4" floor general has a superb basketball IQ, a knack for putting his teammates in good scoring positions, an ability to shoot over smaller guards from mid-range, and a quick pair of hands on defense.

It'll be hard for a freshman to come in and perform at the same level as Maynor, but it sounds like Smart will receive immediate solid play from his new point guard.

Troy Daniels, a 6'4" shooting guard from Roanoke's William Fleming High School, shot 40 percent from long range as a high school senior and has a high basketball IQ.

Unfortunately for the shooting guard, he will likely not see too many minutes early on because of eligible transfer Jay Gavin and rising junior Joey Rodriguez, both of whom are established two-guards.

Smart also landed Findlay Prep's point guard, Isaiah Grayson, during the summer.

Grayson, who played the one for the No. 1 prep school, is very quick, pressures the ball on defense, and has a high IQ on offense.

He will likely play backup to Theus.

More JRod motivation.

I don't put much stock in this article. Sounds like the writer's statements are based on what he read from recruiting services versus having any personal knowledge of any of the recruits. Plus doesn't sound like he is aware that JRod is really a point guard. Still good pub for us.

 

[xjohnx]

GSU comes in at 11.
Delaware at 5.
Mason at 2.

 

[VCUENT]

All rivalry crap and hating aside, good to see 4 CAA programs in that top 15 (regardless of how questionable the source might be considered)...

 

[Half-baked Mcbride]

I'm glad for Delaware...they really brought in some serious talent. Hopefully Monte' Ross can realize their potential. The CAA is a better conference when traditional doormats make gains like this.

 

[AG_fan]

These Bleacher Report guys really don't do any research other than ripping off other people's stuff. No original research on their part, or else they'd know that Delaware's top recruit (Saddler) is going to prep this year.

And why would Gonzaga be included with the mid-majors, while UNLV and UMass are not? IMO, just shoddy work.

 

[Rambunctious]

I wonder if the recruiting classes that comprised AG's first team that beat Duke and almost upset Pitt were ranked? I doubt it. No offense, but these rankings are worthless IMO. Does anyone really think Delaware is going to be a top mid-major basketball team this year or next year?

 

[vcubanana]

I wonder if the recruiting classes that comprised AG's first team that beat Duke and almost upset Pitt were ranked? I doubt it. No offense, but these rankings are worthless IMO. Does anyone really think Delaware is going to be a top mid-major basketball team this year or next year?

Great point....again though a great story for the conference and good news about VCU. I'll take it, its much better than the daily news they are getting in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

[VCUFTW]

and for #1 Gonzaga....

G.J. Vilarino will probably fill in at point guard for the graduated Jeremy Pargo. Vilarino doesn't have much of a scoring touch, but what he lacks in producing himself he provides for others.

His court vision is supposedly superb and he is extremely quick, so he will be able to get the ball to his teammates in opportune situations.