Recruiting Aside

This is a little off topic from 2011 recruiting, but I thought it was at least somewhat related to recruiting and perhaps give LSU fans a little something to think about when it comes to their coach.

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting - Ask the experts: Top overachievers

I found it interesting b/c when the LSU coaching search was going down a few years ago, there were a few on this board talking about then Clemson coach, Oliver Purnell, as a potential candidate (I for the record, wasn't as big a fan of him). For lack of any detailed Johnson vs Purnell analysis, the comparison was easy--two experienced black coaches at big conferences who had experienced some recent success. When folks talk about how it should be "easy" to build a program, look at what Purnell has been able to do at Depaul in the Big East, after moving from the ACC to arguably a "better" bball conference. Purnell, in his first year at Depaul was 7-19 at one point (DePaul Coach Oliver Purnell - College Basketball vs. LSU Coach Trent Johnson - College Basketball: Also for those that don't think Trent can recruit, take a look at his "average NBA draft pick" metric versus the average coach--and, you can interpret either way as a positive--he's either recruiting great players who go to the NBA or he's taking good players and developing them into NBA players).

Also, I think it's worthy to note that in the case of Mark Few and Gonzaga, you really do start to appreciate what can happen for a school and administration when it is passionate and focused on a sport. Afterall, you take a less than stellar recruiting base in Spokane WA, you add a well-respected coach, with administrative support to build a first-class arena and add lastly a fan base very committed to basketball that fills the stands even when Gonzaga has "off" years, and you have a little "mid major" in Gonzaga consistently going to the NCAAs and competing and selling out the arena. LSU as a big school, in a big boys sport conference, obviously which has more "distractions" in terms of that commitment, but hopefully can see the blueprint for building a basketball program.... Let's finish the season with a bang and continue to build a program.

Well, I wasn't too far off. This is hot off the presses. According to TigerBait, who is broke the story, Trent is interested in a 6 4'-5" 215 combo guard from Blinn Junior College in TX, Dylan Talley. He looks to be pretty legit and is picking up offers from the likes of LSU, Nebraska, USC and Tennessee. He also says that Trent was on him early and LSU is getting a visit.

Dylan Talley - Yahoo! Sports

I like it, I like it. There's some youtube video out there on the kid from his first year in junior college on the east coast ...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNECrOFVsHw]YouTube - Dylan Talley: The Future of Binghamton[/ame]

If LSU can land this guy, Talley would seem to fit in perfectly with LSU needs on the perimeter. A bigger combo guard, already physically mature, who can play point but also score and create opportunities for others, who will also challenge our guys like Dotson, Turner, Stringer and Derenbecker in practice. Frankly, he's a lot like John Isaac, but just 2-3 years older.

Let's get this done, Trent and staff!

I'm not saying let's not go after him but I wonder if combo guard is a stretch...Every article ive seen on him highlights his scoring and in the video above he doesn't pass once! Again im not saying don't go after him but if we could find a purer pg....

You don't need quotes around "better". It's been proven resoundingly the Big East is better than the ACC. St. John's ran Dook off the floor.

The Depaul comparison really isn't on the same playing field as LSU. Different places. Different cultures. Different teams. Depaul has been in the basement long before Purnell even got there. The Big East doesn't allow teams from the bottom to jump to the top very easily. Kinda like Vanderbilt never really has a chance in football.

Trent Johnson is doing fine. I'm starting to come around on the centers, as White has vastly improved over the season. He used to be good for 10 minutes and 5 fouls. He's been in foul trouble, but he's managed to improve his defense and rebounding. Still wish he would cut down on jump shots and focus inside like Warren does.

It all comes down to the evaluation on something like this. Now, Tigerbait is reporting that LSU is also scouting a very good JUCO point guard, Sam Grooms, out of Florida JUCO power Chipola CC. Grooms does not have an offer yet from LSU, but the LSU assistants have known about him since last year. Grooms is more of a 6'2" 'pure' PG who averages about 10 points, 6 assists and 40% from the 3 point line on a better JUCO team. Originally from Greensboro, NC, it's reported that Grooms is being scouted by some pretty good teams, including ACC teams.

So, do you go for a "pure" point or a bigger combo guard? Again, this is one of those calls that will define a recruiting season. Personally, I think that yes, LSU needs a "pure point" who can get in the lane and distribute, but frankly, I think they also need a bigger perimeter defender who can clamp down at the point of attack AND at the same time score, create offense. Talley is probably the better all around guard--big enough to shoot over folks, while from what I've seen on the tape, good enough off the dribble to break a man down and get into the lane. I think if you assume Stringer's been playing better, and will mature in his game, he's your smaller PG and Talley is a more versatile pick up.

That said, I haven't seen much video on Grooms. If he's a quicker 6'2" who plays hard nosed d, and can break the press with ease, AND score, he deserves some attention.

Agree, the one thing in noticed about Tallley's video is dude was getting in the lane when he wanted...If hes the kind of guy who can draw in the D and kick out to the shooter even if he's not a pure point he could get about 4 assist on that alone!

john issac and his pickering read devils move on to round 2, with a 76-69 OT victory over mannsfield. Basic recap w/o stats is PHS didnt show up to play until about 4 mins left in game. MHS had a 5 point lead at that point but everything turned. PHS will now play lutcher either monday or wed.

2 things i learned tonight about JI are 1) he is clutch, and never gives up. either by assist, rebounds, defense, or points he was in on every play the last part of the game. He also did it w/ 4 fouls so he can play smart. But, he is also still young made a few mental errors in the end as well (i.e bad shots), but hey he was trying to win the game. gotta love that! 2) This kid is going to be........a.......STAR!!!!! not just saying that cause he is going to LSU, (it helps) but he is that good! bank on it!

Dylon Talley's Stats 21ppg 4apg 6rpg...Lets get him!

I think that J.I. is willing his team to victory. Pickering moves into the Quarterfinals to play Episcopal with a close win against Lusher. Isaac leads all scorers with 29. Win against Episcopal, and it's Isaac against Gathers team, in all likelihood, right?

No. 4 Red Devils top Lusher in 2A regionals - Leesville, LA - Leesville Daily Leader

I think you're actually short-changing Dylan Talley. According to a recent article in Times-Pic, he's actually averaging closer to 23 ppg, to go along with 6.5 rpg and 4.6 apg.

Some interesting quotes from Talley on LSU, CTJ and how seriously he's considering them. It says something that Gonzaga is pursuing this kid. Let's hope his March visit goes well. This could be very key for Trent and this program. Frankly, Talley's got to be looking at this team and going well, there's no shortage of playing time, if I can come and play consistently. He could potential start at PG right away, and play along side Ralston Turner/Aaron Dotson. That's a formidable backcourt for sure.

LSU basketball team courts junior college standout Dylan Talley | NOLA.com

C'mon Talley, be a TIGER! :LSU231: