Simmons would provide PG depthInstead of taking his rumored visit to Ohio State this weekend, 6'2" juco guard Devan Dumes verbally committed to Indiana yesterday.
I've yet to hear exactly how the scenario played out but one can hardly blame a juco player for choosing a school with a roster that guarantees more playing time.
With the loss of Eric Gordon to the NBA and Armon Bassett still technically off the team, Dumes projects to see big time minutes by default in Bloomington as opposed to battling for PT in Columbus against Turner, Lighty, Wil Buford, Walter Offutt, Anthony Crater and the Predator.
If previous reports are correct, Matta will now turn his attention to juco Jeremie Simmons. If nothing else, he sounds like a humble kid and most reports say he's got some serious handles though he needs to get stronger.
Simmons averaged 21 points, 5 assists and shot 89% from the line running the point for Mott CC this past season.
Speaking of Buford, he teamed with 7-footer BJ Mullens helping the Blue team to victory in the 2008 Jordan Brand Classic last night in the Garden.
Buford scored 13 points and a BJ Mullens dunk gave the Blue a 77-75 lead after overcoming a 21 point first half deficit. I continue to be impressed by Mullens' ability to run the floor however these all-star games played at mach three are no showcase for bigs.
Comments
Next year's team is going to young to a worrisome degree. No seniors, possibly three freshman starters in Buford, Crater, and Mullens. Hopefully none of them take Jonny D's season-long freshman voyage into the realm of the ethereal.
I now there is no Oden in there, but it sounds familiar.
Mullens impressed me in the last all-star game I saw him play (McDonald's?), and he was just as good in this one. He's got feet, doesn't he? He doesn't look awkward, slow or clunky. He's fluid, quick and has a mean streak, which is delightful.
Should be fun next year, even if Gimme the Greek decides to go pro.
Joe,
Mullens can definitely be nasty...If anything, he might have to work on controlling himself at the next level...I've seen him T'd up a few times for barking at refs and he sometimes shows a little too much negative emotion for my taste but he's young...
Skill-wise, I think his game will mesh well with what I assume will be a more uptempo offensive style for the buckeyes next season. Dude can fill the lane as the trailer on a secondary break very nicely.
He's going to need to now that everyone is saying that KK is gonsies.
I think Thad should petition the NCAA for another year of eligibility for The Wiggler citing the little known "Honky-Post-Player-That-Only-Wants-To-Shoot-Threes" clause. All our concerns would instantly vanish...
This post makes me want to put Mott the Hoople on now.