FSU #1 Basketball Recruiting Class!

[Ksyrup]

I'm not really into basketball - college or pro - but I know that this is an amazing thing. Now, we'll see what they can do with all of this talent, but to hear that FSU has the #1 recruiting class - and to not be talking about football - is nothing short of unbelievable.



FSU men grab nation's best recruiting class
By Jack Corcoran
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Forward Linas Kleiza, half a world away in Lithuania, could make the nation's No.1 recruiting class even better.

Florida State remains in the chase for Kleiza, who let the NCAA's late signing period come to an end last week without signing a national letter of intent. The Seminoles, who have come alive on the recruiting trail under Leonard Hamilton, still claimed the top spot Thursday in Rivals.com's national rankings.

Kleiza, believed to be leaning toward Missouri, returned to his homeland this month to try out for Lithuania's Junior World Championship team. He averaged 20.5 points and 12.2 rebounds this past season at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Md.

"I think he's ready to compete right away," said coach Kevin Boyle of St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, N.J.

Boyle, whose program has produced former McDonald's All-Americans Al Harrington and Shaheen Holloway, coached Kleiza last month at the Jordan Capital Classic in Washington. Playing alongside $90million man LeBron James and FSU signee Von Wafer, Kleiza had 16 points and 10 rebounds, displaying touch and toughness.

"He's physical, he's strong, he can shoot around the basket, and he can shoot open shots," Boyle said. "Where I think he has to expand his game is starting with the ball and facing the basket, using his speed to beat people and getting by on the dribble to become a star-type player at that level."

Kleiza (6-foot-8, 240 pounds) was an impact player at Montrose Christian, earning third-team All-America honors from Parade. He also was named All-Met Player of the Year by the Washington Post.

"He's surprisingly mobile for his size," said recruiting analyst Clark Francis, who has promised to move the Seminoles to No.1 - up from No.2 - on his rankings if they land Kleiza. "He's physical, and he's well-built. He can shoot it some. As a pro player, he projects as a (small forward). And as a college player, he's a (power forward). So he can play both spots. He's got to work on his outside shooting, but he has a chance to play in the NBA."

Kleiza, who is also considering North Carolina, would give FSU three top-30 signees, according to PrepStars' postseason rankings. He came in at No.18, trailing Wafer (No.12) but ahead of Alexander Johnson (No.28), who signed last week. Diego Romero, who will arrive via Lon Morris (Texas) College, was 10th among juco prospects.

Rivals, which will publish final team rankings in the summer, put FSU ahead of Oklahoma, Maryland, LSU and Arkansas. California, Syracuse, Kansas, Pittsburgh and Arizona also made the top10.

[Noop]

Hell yeah!! We'll run the ACC in a few years if we keep up this pace....

Nole till I die!!!

:)

noop

[JeeberD]

In some publications UTEP has a top 20 recruiting class (as high as #13), which is the best we've done maybe ever. We got two of the best JUCO's on the country in Fili Rivera and Omar Thomas and grabbed a couple more solid JUCO's who can start for us right away.

Things are looking up for UTEP hoops after a few down years. Billy Gillispie is amazing, and UTEP will soon be back atop the WAC (or whatever conference they're gonna be in after this shake up)...

[damnMikeBrown]

Does Hardaway have any eligibility left?

[tucker342]

Iowa's better:D

[JeeberD]

My grandma lives in Iowa. It's too damn humid there...

[Easy Mac]

anyone else get the feeling FSU will be on probation in 2 years?

[mckerney]

The Gophers suck... :(

[Neuqua]

Did Deng decide if he's jumping to the NBA yet?

[kcchief19]

Come on Coach Q, get on the phone with Kleiza and seal the deal. Bring that bad boy to Columbia!

[Hawaii Warrior]

Originally posted by JeeberD
In some publications UTEP has a top 20 recruiting class (as high as #13), which is the best we've done maybe ever. We got two of the best JUCO's on the country in Fili Rivera and Omar Thomas and grabbed a couple more solid JUCO's who can start for us right away.

Things are looking up for UTEP hoops after a few down years. Billy Gillispie is amazing, and UTEP will soon be back atop the WAC (or whatever conference they're gonna be in after this shake up)...

GO BOWS! :cool:

[IMetTrentGreen]

texas' '04 class, assuming everyone qualifies and no one goes pro, and mike williams commits, could end up beign the fab 5 II

[MizzouRah]

Missouri will win the Big 12 this year!!!

:)


Todd

[tucker342]

Originally posted by JeeberD
My grandma lives in Iowa. It's too damn humid there...

Ya it is...

What city does she live in???

[tucker342]

dola-

I went into the future two years and this was the headline on the paper:

Florida State put on Probation for violations committed two years ago.

Sorry FSU fans, shit happens...
:D

[Noop]

Originally posted by Easy Mac
anyone else get the feeling FSU will be on probation in 2 years?

For what reason? Do believe everything you read from that bashing show we call the media.

:)

noop

[Iceberg]

Last I heard Kleiza was leaning fairly heavily towards missouri so FSU fans shouldn't be counting their chickens before they are hatched.

[IMetTrentGreen]

mike williams committed to texas today

lookout 2004

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by tucker342
Ya it is...

What city does she live in???

She lives in Muscatine. I think it's in the general area of the Quad Citiies....

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by Iceberg
Last I heard Kleiza was leaning fairly heavily towards missouri so FSU fans shouldn't be counting their chickens before they are hatched.


YES!!

Forgot to post this today:

Missouri lands a big recruit
By BILL COATS Post-Dispatch
updated: 05/30/2003 07:24 AM



Linas Kleiza will be joining Mizzou's basketball program.
A recruiting quest that dragged out over many months and spawned a number of rumors finally has paid off for the University of Missouri men's basketball program. On Thursday, power forward Linas Kleiza signed a scholarship agreement to attend Mizzou.

"Linas is an outstanding player who we think will make an immediate impact for us," MU coach Quin Snyder said in a statement. "He possesses a great work ethic and will provide great size and strength in the paint as a relentless rebounder and talented scorer."

Kleiza, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound native of Kaunas, Lithuania, came to the United States in 2001, seeking to improve his game. He averaged 20.5 points and 12.2 rebounds this past season at Montrose Christian Academy, a basketball powerhouse in Rockville, Md. Kleiza, generally considered one of the top 50 high school players in the country, was named the area player of the year by the Washington Post.

Missouri long had been considered the front-runner for Kleiza, with Florida State also in the picture. Then, after former Kansas coach Roy Williams took over at North Carolina, the Tar Heels made a late run at him and MU's chances appeared to be dwindling. The spring signing period ended May 15, and Kleiza had not made a choice.

RELATED LINKS:

Sound off in Mizzou Talk

Mizzou hoops web site

Kleiza rated No. 13 in nation



]
"I wasn't ready," he said Thursday evening. "It was the most difficult decision of my life so far. I kind of grew into my decision."

After a trip to Lithuania, he returned to the United States and, he said, decided Wednesday that Mizzou was the best fit for him. Kleiza agreed to accept a scholarship from Missouri. Until he enrolls in classes, however, he is not bound to the university.

Kleiza - his name is pronounced LINN-us CLAY-zuh - said he picked Missouri because "I like Coach Snyder, I like the staff, and I think they can develop me for the next level. I also like the conference. The Big 12 is one of the best conferences in the country."

Kleiza said a chance to accrue considerable playing time as a freshman entered into his decision. "Of course, I have to work my way in," he said.

Missouri returns all its primary players, except guard Ricky Clemons, from a team that finished 22-11 after losing to eventual Final Four qualifier Marquette in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Clemons will sit out next season while serving a university-imposed suspension after pleading guilty of third-degree assault and false imprisonment in connection with an incident involving Jessica Bunge, then a Mizzou student, in January.

Kleiza, who will represent Lithuania at the 19-and-under World Basketball Championships July 10-20 in Greece, said he was excited about the Tigers' prospects for next season. "I think we have a chance to go for the national championship," he said.

Asked to describe his game, Kleiza said, "I'm very aggressive." He said he likes the ruggedness of the inside game but also that "I'm able to shoot jumpers and 3-pointers. I'm trying to be a versatile power forward. . . . Most of all, I'm just trying to help my team win every game. I have a passion for the game."

Kleiza joins guards Thomas Gardner of Portland, Ore., Spencer Laurie of Springfield, Mo., and Randy Pulley of Raleigh, N.C., in completing MU's 2003 recruiting class. Gardner and Laurie also will be freshmen. Pulley, who played one season at St. Louis University and one at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kan., will enroll as a junior.

Guard Jason Conley will join the MU squad in December. Conley, whose 29.3-point average in the 2001-02 season for Virginia Military Institute led the nation, transferred to Missouri at the beginning of the current semester.

[rexallllsc]

Originally posted by IMetTrentGreen
mike williams committed to texas today

lookout 2004

Hopefully Barnes does better with all of that talent than Mack...

[kcchief19]

M-I-Z! Z-O-U!

[the_meanstrosity]

Hopefully Missouri will treat Kleiza better than current big man Travon Bryant.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by the_meanstrosity
Hopefully Missouri will treat Kleiza better than current big man Travon Bryant.

How are they supposed to treat a McDonalds all-american who doesn't play up to his potential? P..lease. He needs to kick it into gear this year or he'll be on the bench.


Todd

[sony]

Where is LSU ranked right about now?

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

So you're saying point guards like Clemmons and Gilbert have the ability to get guys like Johnson and Bryant the basketball...but just choose not to?

Sorry Mizz, but there's a reason why Missouri big men disappear in games. It's because of the offensive system in place at Missouri. Missouri guards like to shoot the ball an awful lot. It's the offensive system inherited from Duke. Duke has the same problem currently.


And how do you explain all of the horrible Missouri big men in recent years? Just coincidence? Norm Stewart could handle big men, but he was chased out of town and replaced by an inept assistant coach.

[panerd]

Originally posted by the_meanstrosity
Mizz,

So you're saying point guards like Clemmons and Gilbert have the ability to get guys like Johnson and Bryant the basketball...but just choose not to?

Sorry Mizz, but there's a reason why Missouri big men disappear in games. It's because of the offensive system in place at Missouri. Missouri guards like to shoot the ball an awful lot. It's the offensive system inherited from Duke. Duke has the same problem currently.


And how do you explain all of the horrible Missouri big men in recent years? Just coincidence? Norm Stewart could handle big men, but he was chased out of town and replaced by an inept assistant coach.

Wierd that a KU fan would find so many faults with our program, eh?

I love how KU fans were all over Roy Williams for "selling out" his players by accepting the North Carolina job but then labeled Bill Self the second coming of Christ when he just did the exact same thing to his Illinois players.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by the_meanstrosity
Mizz,

So you're saying point guards like Clemmons and Gilbert have the ability to get guys like Johnson and Bryant the basketball...but just choose not to?

Sorry Mizz, but there's a reason why Missouri big men disappear in games. It's because of the offensive system in place at Missouri. Missouri guards like to shoot the ball an awful lot. It's the offensive system inherited from Duke. Duke has the same problem currently.


And how do you explain all of the horrible Missouri big men in recent years? Just coincidence? Norm Stewart could handle big men, but he was chased out of town and replaced by an inept assistant coach.

Why get him the ball when he can't score. Gilbert was a ball hog and choose to take terrible shots at times, I'll give you that, but Clemmons did a good job at getting the ball to Johnson and Paulding. Trevon was over-hyped and needs to get himself in the game and maybe he would get the ball more. Why goto him when you have Johnson and Paulding?

An inept assistant coach? Quinn, has done one hell of a job here so far in is tenure. Norm's time was up and Quinn was a great choice, imo. He gets better and better each year. I don't know why people try to compare him to Stewart. They are two different coaches entirely.


Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

Beautiful use of changing the subject.

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Alright, let's look at a few things. Norm Stewart's teams were a perennial Big 8 power who frequently fought for the league championship. Quin Snyder's teams have normally placed in 6th and peaked last season in 5th.

You don't call that going backwards? I know a lot of Tiger fans were excited to land Snyder, but have since warmed on him as he continues to underachieve while making NCAA regulated mistakes and trying to hide them.

Norm Stewart is one of my favorite coaches and was one of the reasons I always had a soft spot for Missouri basketball. When Kroenke and Alden chased him out, I was sickened. Maybe Norm wouldn't bring in the McDonald AA's like Quin, but his teams scratched and clawed their way to the top of the conference. Quin Snyder cannot say the same.

As for Clemmons, I think you're mistaken. There's a reason why McKinney saw increased minutes at point near the end of the season. Clemmons was not getting it done. And I personally would take Gilbert over Clemmons every day of the week. Gilbert may have shot you out of games at times, but he more than made up for it with his defensive production. I still to this day think he would have been a great player had Quin only pulled the reigns in on him.

Paulding is a small forward and wouldn't really be considered a 'big man'. Johnson and Bryant are the only true big men on the squad last season. Paulding is more apt to settle for mid-range and behind the arc. Johnson is a beast when he gets the ball inside, but truly needs to get more touches.

What will be interesting is if the NCAA changes the three point line as has been rumored. I believe there is one more vote until it is passed. You could see some big changes in the Duke style offense used by Missouri then. You'll probably see Missouri go back to the usual in and out offense rather than chucking up 3's. That should be a big boost to Johnson who is a legit All American in my book. Plus the new PG Pulley isn't a shooter so that in itself should lead to more touches.

I still say hiring Quin was a mistake over Bill Self. Bill would have been a tremendous fit for Missouri following Norm Stewart. Quin Snyder is a great players' coach, but is slowly gaining the reputation as an 'outlaw' coach. It's sad because since then Alden seems to have hit a home run with new football coach Pinkel.

[illinifan999]

Oh yeah:

Illinois lost their head coach, and a top 5 recruit because of that. Beat that! :(

[the_meanstrosity]

Illinifan,

You'll be just fine with Weber. He's a good coach who has ties to the Chicago area. Though Self is a good coach and a great recruiter, Weber is a much better fit for Illinois. And I highly doubt you ever have to worry about Weber moving on no matter what kind of success he has. You couldn't ever say that about Self. Plus Illinois has a great recruiting class this season and is in the hunt with some top recruits next season. I don't think Illinois will miss a beat.

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

Nice generalization by the way. I myself have never called Roy Williams a traitor. I do think it was a mistake by him to string it out over the Final Four weekend, but it didn't seem to affect the team's performance. But I've never blamed the guy for heading home. He did some great things while leading Kansas basketball. I can't complain...he took them to four Final Fours and two championship games. Heck of a job from an assistant coach.

But brand away all you like. You'll find out that I'm not your usual bandwagon fan. I love Big 8/12 college basketball. Just because I don't like Snyder's methods doesn't mean I hate Missouri basketball. I just think hiring him was a mistake when they had a much better choice in Bill Self. You can thank Kroenke for that hire though. Since then Alden has redeemed himself with the Pinkel hire. I think he's got a chance to really do some great things with Missouri football.

[MizzouRah]

Right on with the Pinkel comments, that man sends a chill down my body when he speaks. I only see great things from them this year.

I didn't really know about about Self and that's my fault, he would have been a great fit at Missouri as well. I just wish people would give Quinn some slack. He is definitly a rookie, but has made some good progress thus far. They have been very close to going somewhere in the tourney and I think this might be the year for them. If they don't at least make a run at the Big 12 title this year, then I'll eat my words.

We have different opinions about Gilbert and Clemmons. I think the charges that were brought on him ruined him for the tournament. I could be wrong. Gilbert pissed me off to no end with his NBA range 3 pointers and off balance shots without passing it one time to people like Rusch. I also think Clemmons did a heck of a job on defense... again my opinion.

I'm a Big 12 fan as well. Only time will tell if Quinn can emerge as a great coach, give him some time. At least I'll get to see Self a little more next year.


Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Definitely agree on Pinkel. I like the guy and he's zip-locked the state of Missouri with regards to football players. The only question remaining in my mind is can he coach the players with regards to Big 12 contention. The Big 12 is not an easy football conference to compete in and he's got his work cut out for him with guys like Stoops, Franchione, Snyder, and other coaches. The Big 12 just keeps getting stronger and stronger.

I still think Snyder's best squad was the one with Rush, Paulding, and Gilbert. Three legitimate scorers with the inside defensive presence of Johnson and Bryant. That was a formidable squad that greatly underachieved. I remember numerous magazines had them preseason #1. They just fell apart in the Big 12 on the road.

This year's Missouri squad is easily the Big 12 favorite, but I can't shake the feeling Snyder will again have them underachieve. I just haven't seen him do enough bench coaching to warrant a positive look at the guy. They will easily be the most experienced and talented team, but for some reason he doesn't have his players ready on the road. And that's where Big 12 titles are won...on the road.

Next season will be very interesting. Baylor could surprise some people. Texas will miss Ford until they can get Daniel Gibson in there in 2004. Oklahoma will miss Hollis Price. Kansas will miss Hinrich and Collison. Tech will miss Emmett. I'm still unsure of Okey State. I love Sutton, but his crutch has always been JUCO's and that's a big gamble. Iowa State will really be down unless their new coach can do some magic. It will be a down year for the Big 12, but there's a whole lot of young talent coming in. It's going to be very exciting these next few years in the Big 12.

[MizzouRah]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Although I think Quinn is primed for a Big 12 title this year.

I'm actually more excited about football this year than basketball. We have a Heisman canidate for once!

:)



Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Yeah, Smith is very good at QB. Though this season he won't have Gage to throw too, but I think some how he'll manage, lol.

Have they started building the new fieldhouse in Columbia yet? I'm envious, I think that building SHOULD be really nice. I can't wait to see it in a few years.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by the_meanstrosity
Mizz,

Yeah, Smith is very good at QB. Though this season he won't have Gage to throw too, but I think some how he'll manage, lol.

Have they started building the new fieldhouse in Columbia yet? I'm envious, I think that building SHOULD be really nice. I can't wait to see it in a few years.

I live 70 miles NE of Columbia and haven't been there in awhile. I should be back on our HP account next month and get to travel there on a regular basis. My sister works at Mizzou, but I haven't seen her in awhile either. (Damn me!, sorry sis). I'm pretty sure they started on it in April, I'll ask. Should be neat to see it next year. They have alot of nice things up there to entice future althetes, I'm sure Pinkel loves it.


Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Snyder better love that new fieldhouse, lol. Just from the sketches, it looked like it should be pretty nice. I believe Laurie and Kroenke are footing most of the bill. I still think it stinks they won't name the court after Norm.

[MizzouRah]

Check this out:


New Fieldhouse (http://www.cf.missouri.edu/pdc/brewer.htm)



Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Here's the architectural drawing I've seen.

http://www.cf.missouri.edu/pdc/arch_off.htm#brewer

It looks like it should be really nice. I'm waiting to see if the seating view is improved with the new arena.

I've been to Faurot Field and watched a football game. I love the stadium there, but some of those dorms (crack houses) across the road have to go, lol. If the arena is as nice as Faurot Field, it'll be a fun place to watch basketball.

[MizzouRah]

Agreed. (crack houses, LOL!) :)

I'm planning on going to 3-4 football games this year and some basketball games as well. I see alot of wins at Faurot field this year. (fingers crossed)



Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

I'll be at KU's Memorial Stadium for what should be another agonizing season. We're 2-3 years away from being a quality Big 12 team who could compete against the Big Boys. Hopefully one day the KU - MU game will actually mean something than just which coach will get fired, lol.

I was at the infamous Coaches Bowl at Faurot Field for Larry Smith's last game. My buddy (a Tiger fan) and I joked the entire game that whomever lost that game would win the war since they'd get a new coach, lol. You guys got Pinkel while we were stuck for another year with the idiot that is Terry Allen. Ugh...somebody shoot me.

[MizzouRah]

LOL! :D

Yeah, I guess KU has some work to do. I would like to see their football program improve this year. I would like the football game to equal the basketball game in terms of intensity and meaning. Maybe one day we'll both get there.

How did recruiting go this year for KU? I'm really happy how well Pinkel has recruited here.


Todd

[the_meanstrosity]

Mizz,

Mangino hit the JUCO ranks REALLY HARD. Former head coach Terry Allen left the cupboard essentially bare, so Mangino's trying to get D1A bodies where Terry Allen recruited D1AA talent. After this season, I doubt you'll see Kansas hit the JUCO's as hard since Mangino is a big believer in developing talent.

Recruiting overall was pretty strong. But you have to be in order to stay competitive in the Big 12, lol. It doesn't help when Texas, Oklahoma, A&M, Tech, Colorado, and these other schools are recruiting big wigs, lol. I have to say, I think Mangino is getting the size and speed necessary to compete in the Big 12. Former head coach Terry Allen wasn't big on size and it killed Kansas in his short tenure.

I think next season's KU and MU game should be a good one. KU QB Bill Whittemore and MU QB Brad Smith could both do some serious damage. And now that KU actually has a few receiving targets, Whittemore's stats should hopefully go up. I don't know if KU and MU will knock any Big 12 upper tier teams off next year, but I think we're both getting close. At least a little closer, lol.

[MizzouRah]

I truly hope so, I'm tired of losing seasons!

;)


Todd