Kentucky making up ground with Giles

[Cat Ballou]

Giles himself has been telling coaches he is still wide open. He's said it's going to be a hard decision.

I can see a recruit dragging it out to take all his visits or increase the drama around his recruitment for his brand, but I don't think he'd blatantly lie to do so.

He may well end up at Duke, and if I was placing bets, that's where my money would be, but eliminating UNC tells me he is genuinely interested in all the teams remaining on his list.

 

[beamer_at_uk]

If I've learned anything from years of following recruiting, watching the debacles that were Wiggins and J. Brown, I'd say that unless you show me bonafide proof that you are the recruit's best friend, brother, mom, etc...

...I'll keep an open mind and try not to put myself in a position to be disappointed.

 

[gracetoyou]

I hope your right. Him and Tatum are pretty tight. Good thing is that we do have the best in the business. I don't think we get him in the end but i've been wrong on a few occasions. Lol

It will be very difficult...it's Tatum plus other influences that will be tough to overcome.

 

[KMKAT]

If Wiggins had a do-over, would he have come to play for Cal? It all worked out for him.

But getting Giles is nothing but icing on the cake for Cal in '16. He himself told us '16 could be very special, but with or without Giles, Cal is getting a lot of the guys he wants.

Now perhaps, if Giles decides sooner than later, Simmons sees himself on this roster in a 3 guard rotation.
Cal is sitting quite nicely at this point, Giles or no Giles.

 

[.S&C.]

This isn't happening but if it did Matt Nones wouldn't know anything about it.

Matt has ZERO idea what's on Giles mind. His fluff articles won't tell you a damn thing about what's really going on.

If it gets you excited to have a blogger say "WE GOTTA SHOT" cool. If we even landed him, Matt wouldn't even know what to think. He's good for uk, but Matt has always sucked at recruiting info.

 

[HICATFAN]

The undoubted sell:

1. Come play against other versatile future NBA players(if you have to go to school for a year, you might as well get better).

2. Cal was the pioneer of the whole "embrace" the league" approach.

3. Rupp Arena/playing for UK is like an NBA atmosphere.

4. Leave the state of NC in order to fully prepare for the road of the NBA.

5. Cal will adapt the team to him, not force Giles into a rut based on a system.

6. Be the next Towns/Skal/Davis big to play for Cal - i.e., #1 pick.

Well done ^^^^

AlohaCat

 

[Teachable Moe]

One thing Ive learned about recruiting is until they sign on the dotted line they could wind up anywhere.

^^^^^This ** 100Brazilian

 

[mj2k10]

The undoubted sell:

1. Come play against other versatile future NBA players(if you have to go to school for a year, you might as well get better).

2. Cal was the pioneer of the whole "embrace" the league" approach.

3. Rupp Arena/playing for UK is like an NBA atmosphere.

4. Leave the state of NC in order to fully prepare for the road of the NBA.

5. Cal will adapt the team to him, not force Giles into a rut based on a system.

6. Be the next Towns/Skal/Davis big to play for Cal - i.e., #1 pick.

You touched on it a little with 5, but the real sell might have to do with usage. If Giles goes to Duke, can he really feel assured that he's not going to be stuck as a small-ball center? Don't know how important it is to him, but if he's looking to avoid that situation, then UK is the place. I doubt Cal would ever mention Duke specifically, but that's one major separating factor between Giles' potential situation at UK vs at Duke.

 

[SWEc/o95]

I read somewhere a couple months ago that Giles had invited Coach K to his birthday party last year. Once I read that, I assumed this kid is Puke bound.

Like others have mentioned, I would absolutely love to get Giles but I refuse to get my hopes up on this one.

Harrison Barnes visited and surprised Coach K on his birthday. He went to Duke 3 times on his own dime and we see how that turned out. Either way it turned out well for Duke and not so much for UNC.

 

[WitnessGreatness]

I'd rather hope that he comes here and he does or doesn't come than be negative about his chances to come here during the whole recruitment.

 

[SWEc/o95]

Can you imagine the fallout if Giles nor Bam signs with Duke? They would have to put locks on the bridges in north carolina. Ain't going to happen but it would be fun to watch if they didn't.

Duke never offered Bam. I think most Duke fans after the Harrison Barnes fiasco know not to count their chickens before they hatch. I know since then I don't believe sh** insiders say until the recruit actually signs or holds a presser saying he will be going to Duke. But you still have a few that put all their confidence in what the insiders are saying or positive quotes from the recruit himself and think he's a lock. Those are the ones who will be devastated in the end. Me, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it or be infuriated over a recruits decision. Whether it be Duke or UK, Giles will be playing for two of the best coaches in the game.

 

[Poetax]

Duke never offered Bam. I think most Duke fans after the Harrison Barnes fiasco know not to count their chickens before they hatch. I know since then I don't believe sh** insiders say until the recruit actually signs or holds a presser saying he will be going to Duke. But you still have a few that put all their confidence in what the insiders are saying or positive quotes from the recruit himself and think he's a lock. Those are the ones who will be devastated in the end. Me, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it or be infuriated over a recruits decision. Whether it be Duke or UK, Giles will be playing for two of the best coaches in the game.

Exactly it seems we agree.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

Harrison Barnes visited and surprised Coach K on his birthday. He went to Duke 3 times on his own dime and we see how that turned out. Either way it turned out well for Duke and not so much for UNC.

Totally agree.

However, if I remember correctly, UNC was a decent bit better than Duke both seasons that Barnes was there.

 

[UKDUNK]

I feel like if the Tatum friendship thing was that strong of a pull he would have committed to Duke a long time ago. Tatum committed in July. Package deal signings usually happen pretty close to each other. Okafor and Tyus Jones committed on the same day if i'm not mistaken.

 

[Willy4UK]

I feel like if the Tatum friendship thing was that strong of a pull he would have committed to Duke a long time ago. Tatum committed in July. Package deal signings usually happen pretty close to each other. Okafor and Tyus Jones committed on the same day if i'm not mistaken.

Yep, I think this whole Tatum thing is waaay overblown.


People think Giles can't even tie his own shoes until Tatum orders him to do it.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

K is giving up on USA basketball, can Duke be far behind?

You can't be serious.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

It's not because he & K are bust buddies or anything

What exactly do you know about the relationship Giles has with Coach K?

 

[Bigkyfan10]

Uhmm...simple.

He could choose to not tweet anything at all....

That's what most recruits choose to do.

fair point but he probably did have a good time. That doesn't men he is going to choose us though. Plus you can't take recruits for their word all the time. Andrew Wiggins said if he would choose the Cats they would be one of the all time great teams and he chose Kansas. Miles Bridges tweeted possible package deal with Monk.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

I feel like if the Tatum friendship thing was that strong of a pull he would have committed to Duke a long time ago

He's 18 and now living in the middle of nowhere while he plays for Oak Hill. If you're not already sick of the recruiting process (as was the case with Tatum), why not take your official visits and live it up while every school rolls out the red carpet?

 

[BlueBlood66]

Totally agree.

However, if I remember correctly, UNC was a decent bit better than Duke both seasons that Barnes was there.

Barnes was 2-3 vs Duke in his time at UNC. Split each season but Duke won the ACC tournament vs UNC in 2011. I'd say Duke was better in 10-11 and UNC better in 11-12.

 

[Dirk2Bowie]

Hopefully Giles has had his experience being coached by K on the USA team and feels its best to learn from another one of the greatest before its off to the NBA. The practice challenge at UK has to play in somewhat.

 

[BLEEDBLUE444]

Just got off the phone with my dad in North Carolina, just passing along some info here, but my father is friends with some well connected people at Wake Forest, and they are feeling very confident about Giles in Winston Salem. Would not surprise me one bit if he goes to Wake.

My dad didn't say he was signed sealed and delivered there, but just that they are more of a player than people realize

 

[Mark Gastineau]

"Hopefully Giles has had his experience being coached by K on the USA team"

Except his coaches were actually Sean Miller, Ed Cooley, and Archie Miller. Coach K is only in charge of the NBA guys.

http://www.usab.com/mens/u19/roster.aspx

 

[Poetax]

Just got off the phone with my dad in North Carolina, just passing along some info here, but my father is friends with some well connected people at Wake Forest, and they are feeling very confident about Giles in Winston Salem. Would not surprise me one bit if he goes to Wake.

My dad didn't say he was signed sealed and delivered there, but just that they are more of a player than people realize

To me that is great news for us just because it shows that dook is not a done deal. I like our chances against WF much better.

 

[bigbluedon]

Here we go... Buckle up..Between panic stricken UK fans and delusional fans from other boards this is turning out to be a complete fuster cluck. What a thread especially since the Duke fan now has shown up.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

Barnes was 2-3 vs Duke in his time at UNC. Split each season but Duke won the ACC tournament vs UNC in 2011. I'd say Duke was better in 10-11 and UNC better in 11-12.

Well UNC won the ACC Regular Season title over Duke both seasons he was there.

And UNC won the ACC tournament as well in 2012 IIRC

As well, UNC made it farther than Duke in the tournament both seasons as well.

2011- UNC- Elite Eight - Duke- Sweet Sixteen

2012- UNC- Elite Eight- Duke- First Round Loss

That's really what I was thinking of

 

[Mark Gastineau]

From everything I've read/heard, his decision will come some time in November. Personally, I think it's down to Duke and UK. Also, I believe Wake is simply getting lip service for being the hometown school, much like St. Louis with Tatum.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Totally agree.

However, if I remember correctly, UNC was a decent bit better than Duke both seasons that Barnes was there.

Yeah, IDC how overrated Barnes College career was, he's making it happen in the NBA. Duke not getting him wasn't somehow a "win", lol.

 

[BlueBlood66]

Well UNC won the ACC Regular Season title over Duke both seasons he was there.

And UNC won the ACC tournament as well in 2012 IIRC

As well, UNC made it farther than Duke in the tournament both seasons as well.

2011- UNC- Elite Eight - Duke- Sweet Sixteen

2012- UNC- Elite Eight- Duke- First Round Loss

That's really what I was thinking of

FSU won the ACC tournament in 2012.

 

[BLEEDBLUE444]

Danny Manning and Giles have a good relationship with one another, and Wake Forest is a great school. If Giles wants to do his own thing and be "that" guy, that gets Wake basketball "back on track" I could easily see that happening.

Manning is trying to sell him as that premier recruit that brings Wake back to prominence and follows the foot steps of Jeff Teague, Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, Randolph Childress etc, etc...

My personal guess right now is that he has no idea where he is going, and Duke, UK, and Wake, all still have a shot at him.

I still think it will be tough to get him out of the State of NC, and sometimes location is just too much for any school to overcome. If the kid is only going to school for a year, it makes perfect sense that he would stay close to home so family and friends can watch the handful of games that he plays.

This is not the case in every state, but NC is a different animal when it comes to basketball. There are plenty of great schools and traditions in his backyard, so I don't blame the kid for staying in state if he does choose to go that route.

We can only hope that it's Wake Forest if that does occur. The Oak Hill move was likely to cut down on ALL distractions and finish up high school very strong academically. It's a very smart move on Giles part, and it is a massive reason that UK is picking up steam in this recruitment. If he does end up at UK, that could ultimately be a major reason.

Honestly, it is just a testament to Cal and UK that they are a player in this recruitment right now, and he is even considering a school outside of North Carolina. There is only one school left in his recruitment outside of NC, and that in itself is amazing

 

[Mark Gastineau]

While I think he ultimately ends up at Duke, he has already shown that he's not afraid to leave home to make himself a better player:

http://usatodayhss.com/2015/harry-g...hristian-duke-kentucky-unc-kansas-wake-forest

“It was a really tough decision to leave my teammates and Coach Keith (Gatlin), that’s my guy that I’ve been rocking with since I got here,” said Giles, who recently cut his list of schools down to North Carolina, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Kansas and Duke. “But, at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what I feel is best for me to develop on and off the court.”

 

[RondoBaller21]

UK is not getting Giles.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

UK is not getting Giles.

Thanks for providing so much valuable insight and information.

 

[mebeblue2]

While I think he ultimately ends up at Duke, he has already shown that he's not afraid to leave home to make himself a better player:

http://usatodayhss.com/2015/harry-g...hristian-duke-kentucky-unc-kansas-wake-forest

“It was a really tough decision to leave my teammates and Coach Keith (Gatlin), that’s my guy that I’ve been rocking with since I got here,” said Giles, who recently cut his list of schools down to North Carolina, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Kansas and Duke. “But, at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what I feel is best for me to develop on and off the court.”

Thanks for the link
Tatum is playing this year, right?
if so i doubt Tatum and Giles ever play a college game together

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Thanks for the link
Tatum is playing this year, right?
if so i doubt Tatum and Giles ever play a college game together

Tatum is in the same class as Giles. Both Seniors in high school.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

FSU won the ACC tournament in 2012.

Be that as it may, based on my other criteria, I still say UNC was better both of those years.

 

[BlueBlood66]

Be that as it may, based on my other criteria, I still say UNC was better both of those years.

It really doesn't matter and I agree about 2012 but in 2011 Duke finished 32-5 while UNC was 29-8. Duke went 2-1 in head to head matchups including a 17 point defeat of UNC in the ACC tournament final. Also Kenpom had Duke ending at #5 and UNC at #14.

 

[SWEc/o95]

Barnes didn't exactly live up to the hype at UNC and his stock dropped each year he was there. I know we have had players who didn't pan out as hoped also but I believe Barnes would have been a better player in Duke's system compared to UNC. So him having a losing record vs. Duke was satisfying. As was Duke going on to win the title a couple months after Barnes shunned them.

 

[Blue Decade]

Whenever the phrase "making up ground" is used, you've already lost. Giles is not seriously considering uk.

So, he's not considering UK? I guess that's why he has attended BBM 2 years in a row. He must enjoy wasting his time. Nobody thought Labissiere and Murray were coming either. I don't know where Giles will sign, and neither do you.

 

[UKDUNK]

He's 18 and now living in the middle of nowhere while he plays for Oak Hill. If you're not already sick of the recruiting process (as was the case with Tatum), why not take your official visits and live it up while every school rolls out the red carpet?

No reason not to take all visits. I'm just saying in the case of package deals, the commitments usually happen pretty close to each other. The longer the second half takes, the less of a package (no UofL) it appears to be.