I know I've probably been really whiney about basketball lately, so I thought I'd share some of what I've been thinking about with future of the team. CrossCyed had an excellent find in his tremendous blog (http://www.crosscyed.blogspot.com/) on Diante Garrett. It's a Wisconsin prep hoops forum and it's a thread discussing the player of the year candidates in Wisconsin before the season started this year and there were some great quotes about Garrett in there in comparison to another highly sought after prep. As crosscyed points out in his blog, a lot of the discussion has centered around Brackins but I think Garrett is the most important recruit of McD's young tenure. Here are some quotes from the thread regarding Diante:
No offense to Brackins, because he is obviously a huge recruit that created a lot of buzz around the program and makes me think that McD really can do this. I think they will both play very important roles next year and I think there is little doubt they will both step right into major minutes (25+ per game).
I do think that getting a floor general that can lead a winning team is very important though and something this squad is really lacking. From all accounts that is what Diante can bring to the table.
In my very honest opinion, I would love to start a program with Diante because he gives 100% the whole time he's on the court and elevates each and every other player on the court with him. He keeps the other players involved and is like the General on the court where with Korie the other players seem to stand around an awful lot
I've seen both many, many times.
Both are high major players.
Diante Garrett is a skilled ball handler, but his perimeter jump shot needs a bit of work. He is incredibly adept at getting to the basket and using his length to score. He is also a pretty solid defender. The thing that excites most people about Diante is his potential for growth as he adds weight and strength while also improving his perimeter jump shot.
I would take Garrett because he is more coachable and his work ethic is stronger. Gosz will tell you about that.
Both great players, I like Diante Garret - I think his growth potential is greater. His game will get stronger and he will be more polished game after game. Will be fun to watch.
No offense to Brackins, because he is obviously a huge recruit that created a lot of buzz around the program and makes me think that McD really can do this. I think they will both play very important roles next year and I think there is little doubt they will both step right into major minutes (25+ per game).
I do think that getting a floor general that can lead a winning team is very important though and something this squad is really lacking. From all accounts that is what Diante can bring to the table.