I don't entirely disagree with your assessment that high school players in the last five years don't compare well with Montana high school players from the previous decade, but remember a few things. Most importantly, most of the players you mentioned in the first list were role players, too. Mike Warhank, Adam Leachman, Dan Sullivan, and Justin Brown were all role players - although I admit that they were far better role players than Sam Riddle, Brian Lynch, and Danny Faaborg. I think that currently, Montana high schoolers are more interested in football than basketball, and that has a lot to do with the product being put forth.ballzdeep wrote:With Chavez being considered one of the best prep players ever in the state, the fact of the matter remains that high school baskebtall talent in MT has been on the decline, my original argument. I look at former MT high school players that played prep ball in MT in the early to mid-nineties and then went on to play for either the Frizzlies or Bobcats. That list includes: JR Camel, Ryan Dick, Matt Kempfert, Mike Warhank , Kirk Walker, Matt Siedensticker, Bob Olson, Scott Hatler, Adam Leachman, Dan Sullivan, Danny Sprinkle, Justin Brown. As of recently you have had players such as: Kevin Criswell, Sam Riddle, Mike Chavez, Brian Lynch, John Seyfert, Jordan Hasquet, Nick Dissly, Casey Durham, Carsonn Durr, Danny Faborg, Pete Conway. Based on this list and their college careers, I think my argument is quite obvious. My feeling is that currently these high school stars are playing against inferior competition and this must be taken into account when discussing potential Big Sky material. A good number of high school kids as of late have had exceptional high school careers only to be role players at the D-1 level, or end up leaving to go play at a lower level.
Now, I am not one to defend Mike Chavez (or any friz), but he was an AMAZING high school basketball player - if he cut the crap and applied himself, he could become a great college basketball player. Unfortunately and sadly, he probably will never again have the chance to do so.
Just for your information, mslacat has been posting very, very, very credible information on this board (and other boards) for more than a few years. I would venture to surmise that he knows just a little more about basketball and all things recruiting than you do. Everyone on this board appreciates and trusts all the information he brings to us. He is upfront with any biases he may have, and is never afraid or too proud to admit when he was wrong. I have not seen Jack McGillis play yet, but if mslacat says he is the real deal, I have absolutely no reason to doubt his judgement.
[/quote]
