No update on the TaShawn Thomas visit?

Here's some background info on TaShawn Thomas leaving U of H, and some if it is my opinion (as a Houston area resident). Some of you aren't old enough to remember Phi Slamma Jamma in Houston's basketball hay-day. Most people remember Olajawon and Drexler, but Houston had another 1st round NBA draft pick: Michael Young. He didn't make it in the NBA but played a lot of years overseas.

Young eventually came back to Houston where he had been the Director of Basketball Operations for many years. Last summer James Dickey had him reassigned to a lesser role. He demoted him. Michael Young filed a lawsuit against the U of H and I think he has since left the school.

The fly in the ointment is his son, Joseph Young, was a sopomore and leading scorer on the U of H basketball team at 18 ppg. After his Dad's demotion, he transferred to Oregon and became their leading scorer last season at 18.9 ppg. Joseph and TaShawn were part of the same recruiting class. I think the demotion of Michael Young played a big part in Thomas deciding to transfer ..... and it doesn't surprise me that he didn't follow James Dickey to OSU.

Joeseph Young is why Thomas was considering Oregon. He could play with an old friend who had success. By the way, Joseph applied for and was granted a waiver to play last year following his transfer from Houston after the employment mess with his father. He didn't have to sit out a year. Also, Joseph just announced he would come back to Oregon for his senior season after considering leaving to play overseas ...... I hope that doesn't play into TaShawn's decision. The recent rape case with 3 players leaving Oregon has scared other recruits away.......

Young Lawsuit against U of H

Thomas' other top choice is Miami. I hear Sheldon McClellan is his best friend. McClellan played 2 years at Texas before sitting out as a transfer at Miami last season. He averaged 13.5 ppg as a soph at UT so I'm not sure why he transferred.

He had a choice of going to play with a good friend at either Miami or Oregon, but likes the idea of getting to play at OU with 4 returning starters on a good team. Plus it's closer to home. I think that's what he's struggling with. I also think the reason for him leaving had to do with his buddy's Dad getting messed over and more things going on inside of U of H than was being disclosed.......
 
He was supposed to be down to OU and Miami right?. We're now approaching almost a week since he was in Norman (and he's already been to Miami). Any chance at this point he's decided to take another visit?
 
Hopefully this thing gets figured out tomorrow.
 
...

@jeffborzello: @JNGerhart Still undecided. Other schools have tried to reach out, but they're just going back-and-forth between Miami and Oklahoma.

@jeffborzello: @JNGerhart Family expected a decision last Sunday night. Continues to drag on.
 
Kid seems a little conflicted/indecisive. Big decision. I think we are the right spot for him. Glove fit I believe.


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Well, I am a little biased of course, but to me..OU would be the much better pick. He would have the chance to step right in to a starting role on a team that has a chance to be really good and make a run in the NCAA tourney. What a way to spen your senior year! Plus, much much closer to home so parents can see him play. Miami didn't have a great team this past year and they don't return their best players and would be a long shot to have any tourney hopes even if he went there. I hope he doesn't soley make the decision to go there so he can play with a friend, as previously mentioned. I understand that would be cool and all, but nothing can replace the feeling of winning and being part of a team that has a lot of potential...especially with him at the post for us. Plus....there is life after college to think about. Some day after his basketball career he'll be able to take advantage of his contacts from both UH and OU...who has a large alumni base in Texas. I doubt there is much of any substancial contact for the "U" in Texas. I'm not sure kids fully understand the importance of that factor. He would be an absolutely perfect fit for us.
 
I can understand why he is having a tough time, seems like one is an adult decision, a strong business decision, and one is a college kid decision, a fun one.

OU - tourney team, open roster spot, strong head coach and staff to better your game. Live in Norman, don't know the team before hand. Strong guard play will open up inside game.

Miami - medium level team, 17-16 last year, loses 5 seniors, 4 of which were top 7 in minutes and 2 of them forwards, best friend from Houston apparently on team, gets to live in Miami. Didn't go to any tournament last year, turns over a lot of roster so another rebuild year, loses 2 senior guards that help big men get open.

One seems more 'fun' and a cool college experience, one seems more practical and more fun on the basketball court and dancing at the end of the year
 
^^^

Great post. Also, as a seasoned guy, he understands he doesn't have to rush it. We want him to, but there is not a need for him.

That said, would love to see him at OU. Hope it happens. Understand if it doesn't.
 
There doesn't seem to be any rules against speculating and then posting that speculation. So, I'll join in.

My guess is that he is trying to get some back door indication as to whether or not his waiver is likely to be granted. If he is led to believe he will get it, he will likely come to OU. If not, he would probably rather spend two years in Miami.
 
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There doesn't seem to be any rules against speculating and the posting that speculation. So, I'll join in.



My guess is that he is trying to get some back door indication as to whether or not his waiver is likely to be granted. If he is led to believe he will get it, he will likely come to OU. If not, he would probably rather spend two years in Miami.


Makes sense...


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There doesn't seem to be any rules against speculating and then posting that speculation. So, I'll join in.

My guess is that he is trying to get some back door indication as to whether or not his waiver is likely to be granted. If he is led to believe he will get it, he will likely come to OU. If not, he would probably rather spend two years in Miami.

Probably realistic speculation Gary.
 
Here's anaother speculation: If I were a senior post player averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds a game against tough competition, I might rather spend one year at a school so I can go pro and make some money .... even if it's overseas. I would want to go where I get the most exposure in order to sign a bigger contract. In my opinion OU has a higher likelhood of getting that exposure and going further in the tournament, but I'm biased.

Just a different perspective.
 
I also don't like how this looks for OU. Coming off a visit last weekend, I hoped he would still be on a "high" from the good time he had in Norman and commit within a day. The longer this drags out, then the more he gets over the euphoria from the trip. This might be a case of using his head or his heart to make the decision.
 
I also don't like how this looks for OU. Coming off a visit last weekend, I hoped he would still be on a "high" from the good time he had in Norman and commit within a day. The longer this drags out, then the more he gets over the euphoria from the trip. This might be a case of using his head or his heart to make the decision.

Just to play the other side of the argument, what if he was set on joining his buddy and living in miami for a year or two, and the visit to OU made him realize he has more to consider?

See there can be a glass half full way to look at it too:vitale
 
There doesn't seem to be any rules against speculating and then posting that speculation. So, I'll join in.

My guess is that he is trying to get some back door indication as to whether or not his waiver is likely to be granted. If he is led to believe he will get it, he will likely come to OU. If not, he would probably rather spend two years in Miami.

I think you are correct here
 
For what it's worth, his dad definitely favors OU but is letting the kid make
his own decision. Coach Hill was supposed to visit with them last night by
phone.
 
For what it's worth, his dad definitely favors OU but is letting the kid make
his own decision. Coach Hill was supposed to visit with them last night by
phone.


I've heard the same thing.
 
I can understand why he is having a tough time, seems like one is an adult decision, a strong business decision, and one is a college kid decision, a fun one.

Seems fair, except if those were his two choices (business vs. fun decision), I'm not sure OU or Miami should be at the top.
 
For what it's worth, his dad definitely favors OU but is letting the kid make

his own decision. Coach Hill was supposed to visit with them last night by

phone.


Coach Hill is pretty solid.


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IMO, you can take what ouleopard and vbdad said to the bank. They're usually spot on with the recruiting reports they bring to this board.

Here's hoping Coach Hill is able to lure Thomas to OU in the end!
 
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