Huge visitor news for October 23

[usedtobe1]

He's been to those schools before.

He's been to KU just a week ago, too: "Late night at the Phog". Maybe he's going to KU because it's on his own dime, and it's easier to get to Lawrence. IMHO it speaks volumes for him to visit KU two weekends in a row.

I read this earlier from a KU site before he decided to visit KU again instead of Kentucky and Duke:

Marques Bolden, a 6-10 senior forward from DeSoto (Texas) High School, who is ranked No. 16 nationally by Rivals.com, tells Jayhawkslant.com his weekend visit to KU “was great. I would say that the visit went much better than I expected going into the visit.”

Bolden has visited KU, Kentucky and Duke. He is pondering returning to Kentucky on Friday and Duke on Saturday for their season-opening hoops celebrations. He will visit Oklahoma on Oct. 23.

 

[Sooner-Bred]

He's been to KU just a week ago, too: "Late night at the Phog". Maybe he's going to KU because it's on his own dime, and it's easier to get to Lawrence. IMHO it speaks volumes for him to visit KU two weekends in a row.

I read this earlier from a KU site before he decided to visit KU again instead of Kentucky and Duke:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe he visited KU 2 weekends in a row, just this past weekend for Late Night.

I believe that was his first time to Lawrence.

 

[usedtobe1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe he visited KU 2 weekends in a row, just this past weekend for Late Night.

I believe that was his first time to Lawrence.

I was thinking he decided not to go to Kentucky and Duke this weekend so he could go back to KU again. You're probably right in that he's not going anywhere. Those trips aren't cheap. That would better for OU for sure.

 

[bgrch1350]

Of the teams he's visited, we are the closes one to his hometown. And its always good to bring him in when we have a football game going on so he will get to experience that as well. It will be tough to beat Kansas and the rest of the powerhouses for this kid.

 

[AdaSooner]

I was thinking he decided not to go to Kentucky and Duke this weekend so he could go back to KU again. You're probably right in that he's not going anywhere. Those trips aren't cheap. That would better for OU for sure.

Read on another board that he did not make a return trip to Duke or Kentucky because his parents wouldn't spring for the airline tickets.

If they're not willing to do that now, it seems reasonable to assume that distance may indeed play a role in the school Marques chooses. If it's OU, they will be a reasonable drive to nearly every game he'll play. The only exceptions would be WVU and any away game or tournament where driving to the game is not a viable option.

 

[BCSooners]

Read on another board that he did not make a return trip to Duke or Kentucky because his parents wouldn't spring for the airline tickets.

If they're not willing to do that now, it seems reasonable to assume that distance may indeed play a role in the school Marques chooses. If it's OU, they will be a reasonable drive to nearly every game he'll play. The only exceptions would be WVU and any away game or tournament where driving to the game is not a viable option.

If he goes to Kentucky they'll be able to fly to every game.

 

[usedtobe1]

Ada, that's what I'm hoping is OU's advantage. Bolden has a strong family bond and Norman is fairly close to home in DeSoto. It's a 3 hour drive one way so they could make a day trip out of a game, or he could drive home after a Saturday game and get back to campus on Sunday night. I don't think TCU is really an option because I wouldn't bet the ranch on Trent Johnson's job security. I think that makes OU the only school that is both competitive and an easy day commute.

One other thing in OU's favor is the coaching staff. OU plays a fun style, the coaches run a well-organized program, they treat players with respect, and it's like a family. Of course I'm biased. It's not as as strong of a program as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas but it's a top 20 program with good competition.

Nobody really gives OU a chance but I think it's possible. Just not probable.

 

[ouleopard]

OU had actually quit recruiting Bolden as they thought we didn't have a chance.
However, Bolden contacted McGusty and asked why OU wasn't recruiting him. McGusty
contacted OU and the result is Bolden coming in next weekend. There are also 2 Top 50
players in the country visiting with their families unoffically next weekend. Will let you
know in a couple of days who they are.

 

[Stikboy]

Are the two other top 50 guys '16 or '17?

 

[usedtobe1]

OU had actually quit recruiting Bolden as they thought we didn't have a chance. However, Bolden contacted McGusty and asked why OU wasn't recruiting him. McGusty contacted OU and the result is Bolden coming in next weekend. There are also 2 Top 50 players in the country visiting with their families unoffically next weekend. Will let you know in a couple of days who they are.

Very interesting. Curiosity question for you ..... If they had quit recruiting Bolden, are they actively recruiting any other 2016 player besides the ones already committed to OU?

 

[WTSooner]

Biggest surprise in Lon's time at OU is how well he started recruiting. Wasn't something he has been known for at other locations, but he's getting it done here at OU.

 

[CoachTalk]

Are the two other top 50 guys '16 or '17?

Has to be 2017's. Only room for one in 2016. LK working sooner magic

Its Bolden or no one in 2016

 

[ouleopard]

Yes, they are 17' kids. They are not actively recruiting any other 16' players

 

[CMSOONER]

Biggest surprise in Lon's time at OU is how well he started recruiting. Wasn't something he has been known for at other locations, but he's getting it done here at OU.

I think one thing most people don't take into consideration is that Lon hasn't been at as high a profile program as OU. Kansas State in the late 80's was not a big draw and neither was Florida or Illinois in the 90's or UNLV before he got there. Not that Illinois or UNLV have ever been a big draw. He built up all three programs from mediocrity to NCAA Tourny teams. It should also be noted that he left Florida for to take the Illinois job and left Illinois for the NBA. Had he stayed at Florida he possibly could have had success on possibly the same level as Donovan had when he took over the program Kruger left.

 

[CoachTalk]

Yes, they are 17' kids. They are not actively recruiting any other 16' players

One of the kids is Mitchell Ballock 6'4 SG Top prospect in Kansas. Top 50 in the country. borderline 5 star.

Unlikely to play this year. Torn Labrum about 2 weeks ago.

 

[usedtobe1]

One of the kids is Mitchell Ballock 6'4 SG Top prospect in Kansas. Top 50 in the country. borderline 5 star.

Unlikely to play this year. Torn Labrum about 2 weeks ago.

It would shock me if he didn't go to KU. They offered before his sophomore year, he attends many of their games, and he lives 10 miles from the Phog. Just has a lot of KU connections.

Mitchell Ballock

 

[CoachTalk]

Actually he isnt coming this week! I got my dates mixed up!!

Ku is the man here

 

[jackson_supersooner]

OU had actually quit recruiting Bolden as they thought we didn't have a chance.
However, Bolden contacted McGusty and asked why OU wasn't recruiting him. McGusty
contacted OU and the result is Bolden coming in next weekend. There are also 2 Top 50
players in the country visiting with their families unoffically next weekend. Will let you
know in a couple of days who they are.

Once again leopard coming in with the great info! Never gets old! The most well connected guy on here! Love it leopard as always you bring the best inside info! Thanks man!

 

[usedtobe1]

This weekend could be huge for recruiting. If Bolden called McGusty about OU, he must at least have some interest in the Sooners. It will help that McGusty is back to visit for the 5th time and he and Bolden can be together for the weekend. Also, ouleopard said we have 2 Top 50 recruits visiting with their families. That's 4 bigtime prospects on campus at the same time.

 

[hoopsaustin]

Awesome times for ou basketball!