'09 IN SF R.J. Mahurin (LOI)

[Jason Svoboda]

Small forward
Rockville (IN) Rockville
AAU: SYF Indiana Rising Stars (http://www.indianarisingstars.com)

Ht: 6-foot-7
Wt: Unknown

Mahurin is considered a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. He also holds a scholarship offer from Wisconsin-Green Bay.

[Jason Svoboda]

Reserved for photos.

[bluestreak]

saw some youtube footage, but not much else. I have a gut feeling he could be a hidden gem.

[Jason Svoboda]

Can you post the link to the YouTube video?

[bluestreak]

I finally found the old link along with one of Julian Mavunga, but both had been "removed by user".

[xfactor9600]

Southern Illinois and Tenn were apparently interested so... he peaks my interest.

[Jason Svoboda]

Came across the SYF Rising Stars website today and added it to the main profile post. It can be found on the web at http://www.indianarisingstars.com. No pics of him on there, but in case you want to have a peek around.

[KMillington64]

FYI........... I have seen this kid play numerous times. He will be a great addition to the ISU program. He will obviously have to work on his physical strength, but he is only 16/17 years old, that is to be expected. He scored 118pts in 4 games at the Wabash Valley Pizza Hut Classic. He will not be a post player. He has a nice shot and good ball handling skills. It will be interesting to see how he does. He's only a junior.:sycamores:

just thought I give a little informaiton for those of you that have not seen him play.

He will be good at ISU, bigger schools will be after him.

[ISUCC]

38 points for R.J. in a game against THS Sat. night.

Looks like ISU signed a good recruit here!

http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_story_047235721.html

[sycamore fan]

From Rivals...

No Indiana teams advanced to this morning's quarterfinals in the 17U division. The SYF Players might have been there had they not had some referee and technical foul issues contribute to the loss of a late five point lead last night. The Spiece Indy Heat were ironically knocked off in second round playoff action by Spiece Mo-Kan (Kansas-Missouri). We heard that was in part due to a turned ankle from its star DeShaun Thomas. Speaking of Indy Heat we were very impressed again by R.J. Mahurin's play for them here. Had the Rockville player not committed last year to Indiana State he probably would be getting some Big Ten interest right now with as well as he is shooting the ball.

[Jason Svoboda]

From Rivals...

No Indiana teams advanced to this morning's quarterfinals in the 17U division. The SYF Players might have been there had they not had some referee and technical foul issues contribute to the loss of a late five point lead last night. The Spiece Indy Heat were ironically knocked off in second round playoff action by Spiece Mo-Kan (Kansas-Missouri). We heard that was in part due to a turned ankle from its star DeShaun Thomas. Speaking of Indy Heat we were very impressed again by R.J. Mahurin's play for them here. Had the Rockville player not committed last year to Indiana State he probably would be getting some Big Ten interest right now with as well as he is shooting the ball.
Wow, looks like we have a potential steal on our hands, eh?

[xfactor9600]

If Kelvin Sampson were still here... he'd still be getting Big Ten interest...

At any rate, looks like a good pick up for the Sycamores. I'd be interested to see how tall he is when he stops growing.

[IndyTreeFan]

If Kelvin Sampson were still here... he'd still be getting Big Ten interest...

At any rate, looks like a good pick up for the Sycamores. I'd be interested to see how tall he is when he stops growing.

I know his dad and uncle are both tall - north of 6'10" , I think...

[xfactor9600]

You can't teach size.

[sycamore fan]

Not to split hairs but dad's really 6'8" and uncle is 6'9". Uncle played at Butler and dad at Marian College. Both were solid players, but the kid is a special player. I've watched him for the past three years. He started playing varsity his freshman year as a guard and has grown about 8 inches. Seems that he's still growing. He's looking dad eye to eye right now.

This year RJ had a big season...made the junior all-state team ...listed as one of the IBCA's top 15 juniors...made various all star teams...Terre Haute newspaper's area player of the year. He had a solid performance at the Top 100 Workout over the past weekend.

He has still been getting lots of interest from all over the place...Big 10, Big 12, SEC, other Mo Val... he wants to go to ISU.

His dad asked him where he would go if he could go anywhere in the country and he chose the Sycamores. Wants to stay home, wants to play right away, wants to make ISU a contender. He grew up watching ISU play. That's why he committed early. I don't think any of the offers are tempting him to change his mind. I will be happier when he signs his name on the paper though!

[IndyTreeFan]

Not to split hairs but dad's really 6'8" and uncle is 6'9". Uncle played at Butler and dad at Marian College.

OK, so shoot me. :bigsmile: But I swear that when I watched his dad and uncle in high school, they were listed at 6'10" and 6'11". Of course, anyone 6'5" and up looks like a giant to me!!!!

Either way, we've got to keep this one. I'll go so far as to bet that we'll have to fend off quite a bit of "tampering" by IU and Purdue. He could end up as a Larry Bird type of player - a big man who plays like a guard, yet uses his size to great advantage. His could be a fun four years!

[bm78sycamore]

R.J. was the reason I went to Fort Wayne this past weekend, and all I can say is WOW! A little more muscle on this kid, and he's going to be a big time contributor to the Tree's in a year or two! He's still a little slight framed, but tough as nails, and great team player! Nice Catch for ISU!!!

[Jason Svoboda]

He has still been getting lots of interest from all over the place...Big 10, Big 12, SEC, other Mo Val... he wants to go to ISU.

His dad asked him where he would go if he could go anywhere in the country and he chose the Sycamores. Wants to stay home, wants to play right away, wants to make ISU a contender. He grew up watching ISU play. That's why he committed early. I don't think any of the offers are tempting him to change his mind. I will be happier when he signs his name on the paper though!
You know, this is actually cool as hell. It's too bad State gets the bad wrap they do because it's a fine school if you apply yourself -- all the profs I had in my program (Management Information Systems) were top notch. I look forward to RJ coming to State and progressing through the program.

[bm78sycamore]

You know, it?s just my opinion, and correct me if I'm wrong, but....

Why are we so concerned about "Rivals Stars" and how many a recruit has? Why are we worried about the "hyped" players? I don't even "live" in Indiana anymore, and when I get a chance to come back for a visit I always seem to be out watching games that have ISU "possible recruits" playing in them.

I went to watch R.J.M. and had a chance to see several of the "possible" recruits. Some of the kids mentioned on here have no "stars" but still look like I wouldn't wait one second to make an offer to them!

When I graduated in 1978 I moved away to start my graduate work, but never lost the true blue heart. Now that I have the vacation time and the means to get back now and then, I enjoy watching the young recruits as much or more than the current team! Not that I don't LOVE what Coach Mac is doing, but I have big hopes for the future.

Kids like R.J. are going to make us respectable once again, and bring ISU back to where it should have never lost the ground it gained in 1979.

Just my humble "alum" suggestion . . . go after the Indiana kids like you never have before. Get those flying under the radar, or not "politically" wound. Everyone knows that the High School Coaches always have a hidden agenda for the kids they promote. Most of them are more corrupt than the IHSAA itself. Go after the kids who have potential to take the Sycamores back to where they deserve to be.....top of the heap!

Wouldn't it be nice to be mentioned in the same class as IU, Purdue, hell . . even BUTLER! Well . . . go after the Indiana kids before everyone else sucks them up.

I watched Dave Mahurin in high school, and if R.J. takes after the old man . . . we got a steal. Now, get a few more, and make the offers before someone else does. Stop worrying about the damned RIVAL STARS!

[Strak]

Don't be surprised if the kid winds up in West Lafayette instead of Terre Haute. When Matt Painter tosses a Big Ten future at him, bet on him bolting the Trees for the bigger stage. I hope he honors his early committment, but don't bank on him wearing blue until he's signed, sealed and delivered. It will probably come down to where he's comfortable and what he wants to major in. The two schools have good programs, but not necessarilly the same programs, so it may come down to what he wants to do for a living. If he wants to become a vet, a pharmacist or an engineer, good-bye Terre Haute.

:sycamores:

[Hauteantreefan]

Or maybe it comes down to the kid wanting to play here in Terre Haute, where he has grown up a huge ISU fan and watching the Sycamores play ball. A place his parents and grandparents can come and watch him play every home game.

[Strak]

Here's hoping he stays with his commitment. :pray:

I hear he is a fantastic role model for the young kids in Rockville. Takes the time to talk with them, and they worship him up there. Never saw any of Kelvin Sampson's recruits doing that in Bloomington. They were way too into their street cred... :mad:

[sycamore fan]

School major options should favor the Sycamores. He's says he's leaning towards business or (less likely) teaching/coaching. Pharmacy and engineering are out.

The whole recruiting process has been interesting to watch. It's such a huge decision for a kid, and these recruits are still kids. The lure of the "big time" and the consistent advice from friends, fans, and schoolmates can affect a decision such as RJ's. Couple that with outside "interest" and it's pretty tough. He's getting hit hardest by mid-majors...Illinois State, Miami of Ohio, and UT Chat, but there has also been some interest by Tennessee, Northwestern, and Purdue.

Obviously, he wants to stay close to home. However, I get the sense that, most importantly, he wants a chance to win at the college level. Coach McK's recent moves make ISU look more like they're going to be a winner. The Sycamores needed to be bigger, stronger, and more athletic; it looks like we've headed that way.

The allure of the packed gyms, big time games, and an NCAA tourney run could all happen here. Some of us have seen it a few times before. Having been both an RJ fan for years and an ISU fan even longer, I'm just hoping things work out!

[bm78sycamore]

I have heard the Spiece Indy Heat team is getting beaten on a regular basis! Wasn't RJ on a good team last year? Why the change??? He looks like he's strugging on this team, not a lot of ball sharing going on, very sad! RJ is still one of the better players on this Spiece Squad, but the team looks to be having problems competing in the big games!

[TJames]

after the eric gordon situation last year between indiana and illinois, i am surprised -- shocked!!!! -- that schools would still pursue a high school player after he had verbally committed to attend another college.

sadly, such is life in big time college sports nowadays.

[sycamore fan]

I have heard the Spiece Indy Heat team is getting beaten on a regular basis! Wasn't RJ on a good team last year? Why the change??? He looks like he's strugging on this team, not a lot of ball sharing going on, very sad! RJ is still one of the better players on this Spiece Squad, but the team looks to be having problems competing in the big games!
Hard to call Indy Spiece a "bad team." They've made the championship game of two of the five tourneys they've entered. They did lose one of those championship games to last year's team...(the old SYF who is now also a Spiece team) by 3 points. It was a decent game that could have gone either way.

If you understand big time AAU basketball, you'll note that winning isn't what things are about. The current team is a very high profile group of all-stars who play that way. They do not practice, and it's all about firing up shots. There is no strategy or game planning involved. If you've got it, shoot it!

Like SYF, the current squad is hampered by guard play. They have no distributors...only scorers. The guards don't even realize they have DeSahwn Thomas on one the wing (not to mention Mahurin on the other). Lots of wild, double pump, throw it up over our head shots get taken..some even go in.

However, Mahurin likes this team, coaches, and situation much better than last year's. Both have been good experiences for him.

Check the Rockville website...lots of chances to see him play in June for the RHS team. Big games against TH North, Kokomo, TH South, etc... Tourneys at Rose Hulman. ISU, Purdue, Wabash, and DePauw. The July AAU schedule is also there.

More info at www.eteamz.com/rockville/

[bm78sycamore]

I'm in no way saying that they are a bad team, they have, without a doubt plenty of talent to be on top all summer. They just didn't look like they worked well together as a team. And understand, that's just my opinion, not the gospel! My opinion and $4.25 will buy you a mocha cappacino with a squirt of almond syrup!

I just thought the team he played on last year played much better together, but that was a year ago, I could be way off base about that too.

I'm close (geographically)Terre Haute, so I'll have a chance to watch him and the Haute kids play on a regular basis. Really looking forward to it! June is here, summer leagues are a plenty!

[SlipSwitch]

The team RJ Mahurin played on last year isn't doing nearly as well. It's now a Spiece team too. He didn't play a great deal, and he was looking for a team most of the school season.

[sycamore fan]

Top Small Forwards Pos. Ht. / Wt. Summer Team
1. D.J. Byrd (4 stars)
North Montgomery SF / 2G 6'4.5 / 210 Indiana Elite ONE
(Verballed to Purdue)
2. Kelsey Barlow (3.5 stars)
Indianapolis Cathedral SF 6'6 / 185 Spiece Rising Stars
(Verballed to Purdue)
3. R.J. Mahurin (3.5 stars)
Rockville SF 6'7.5 / 195 Spiece Indy Heat
(Verballed to Indiana State)
4. Morgan Newton (3.5 stars)
Carmel SF / 2G 6'4 / 225 SYF Players
5. Errick Peck (3.5 stars)
Indianapolis Cathedral SF / PF 6'5.5 / 210 Spiece Rising Stars
6. Charlie Duffy
Hamilton Southeastern SF 6'6 / 190 Indiana Premier
7. Drew Schauss
Centerville SF 6'4 / 200 Spiece Gym Rats
8. Marcus Jackson
Lawrence North SF / PF 6'5 / 205 Meanstreets
9. Stevie Loveless
Frankfort SF / 2G 6'5 / 185 Indiana Premier
10. Austin Whited
Columbus East SF 6'4 / 200 Indiana Premier

[bm78sycamore]

Were the Rose Hulman summer league games re-scheduled by chance? I couldn't even get half way there due to the flooding? I am assuming these games were cancelled, but I would like to know if Rockville will be playing at Rose again soon due to this past "wet" weekend?

Thanks

[sycamore fan]

No word on make-up dates. However, I'd expect Coach Shaw to try to throw something together!

[bm78sycamore]

I stopped by there this afternoon, and they are going to try and get something re-scheduled soon! Thanks!

B Mo

[BlueSycamore]

Did he play in the Jr-Sr All-Star game at Washington last nite?

[sycamorebacker]

yes, 3 points.

[sycamore fan]

Went to the game...nearly didn't get home because of high water! RJ got to play about 10 minutes. Junior coaches stuck mostly with the core 6 players and treated the game more like a regular season game than an exhibition. It's really hard to play 12 kids meaningful minutes in a game, but some kids only played about half as much as RJ did. Needless to say there were some hard feelings after the game.

RJ looked nervous, especially at first, and only got two looks at the basket. Made a strong penetration move to the basket for his bucket and was fouled on a three. He missed two of his three free throws.

He had a blocked shot and defended pretty well overall. He seemed a little disappointed, like the other non-core players, that minutes were so few. However, in an interview he showed class...talked about the honor of being selected and thanked everyone involved.

He also scored 41 against TH North last night in a 8 point loss to the Patriots. It was the Rox's first chance to have their entire team together since baseball ended for the season.

[sycamorebacker]

Thanks for the report. Some seem to think he has some "athletic limitations" and he may. However, if he does, I don't believe they are that significant. AND, he can really score! I like is shot-blocking ability too. I've said it before: he blocked more shots last year than the two big kids combined at Washington.

[sycamore fan]

I get your drift on the "limitations." I'm starting to read that a lot on these web sites. However, I have no idea where the alleged "hip disorder" came from that I read about on another site...someone made that one up! Basically, he's a big kid with average quickness...and he's never really wanted to play much defense! His strength and athleticism have not quite caught up with his rapid growth, but those areas are improving each week right now.

Playing small high school basketball also hurts only because it makes the transition to these higher level events a little more overwhelming the first time or two he participates in them. There is also an adjustment in the speed, strength, and athleticism he encounters.

The only thing I know is that he is the best big man/swing man in west central Indiana and easily one of the top 10 juniors in the state of Indiana. No one seems to dispute those facts. Most of the other athletes in the program Monday night were committed to Indiana, Purdue, Butler, and other top flight D1 programs.

When I go to the AAU events and all-star IBCA events, he is the only athlete associated with the ISU men's program. It seems to me that he is the highest profile recruit ISU had landed in a while. However, the proximity to Terre Haute may have turned into a negative thing. It might be that going elsewhere would be a better solution. RJ gets bashed from players and AAU coaches for selecting ISU, and he gets bashed from ISU fans as not being good enough to play here. It's kind of an odd situation.

Being close to the family makes reading a lot of this stuff hard, but I also think it's wearing on RJ and his clan. It may be that the childhood dream of playing at Hulman Center could be better fulfilled as an opponent coming back to Terre Haute. There are at least two MVC programs drooling at the chance to scoop RJ up if he de-commits. Living the "Hoosiers" movie out in real life isn't all it's cracked up to be!

I'm not saying RJ is the next coming of Larry Bird, but there are a few similarities. Wasn't he a slow white kid from a small school who couldn't guard anyone but could score 40 on you? I wonder what all the experts said about him going to ISU?

No one ever knows how any recruit will ever pan out. RJ is a quality kid and a great high school player. I hope he sticks with his decision and gives us a chance. If not, I'll go watch him wherever he ends up.

[btisu22]

He belongs at ISU and let nobody who has no idea about him change his mind! Most (99.9%) ISU fans I talk to want him here!!!!! And I talk to a whole hell of a lot of them!
:sycamores:

[IndyTreeFan]

RJ, YOU BELONG AT ISU! LIVE YOUR DREAM AND HELP MAKE OUR COME TRUE, TOO!!! DON'T LISTEN TO ANYONE BUT COACH MCKENNA - HE'LL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER - ISU FANS WANT YOU HERE!!!

WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE TREE!!!

[Little Eddie]

and he gets bashed from ISU fans as not being good enough to play here. It's kind of an odd situation.



If by ISU fans you mean a handful of fans on this message board then you're correct, some of them have said that he isn't good enough. I'd say over 95% of the board is excited about the prospects of him playing for ISU...I know I'm looking forward to seeing him wearing the blue of Indy St.

And I think the AAU guys who bust him out for not going BCS will soon find that maybe they could have made a bigger name for themselves as a Sycamore.

[SycamoreKen]

I think it would be great if he came to State. A local kid that would bring a lot of support with him from his hime town. I would wager that he would bring more fans down from Rockville than a kid from North or South would. Shoot, the school colors are even the same.

[ISUCC]

Welcome RJ! All ISU fans are really glad you'll be attending ISU and playing BB next year! Have a great senior season in HS!

:sycamores:

[Little Eddie]

Welcome RJ! All ISU fans are really glad you'll be attending ISU and playing BB next year! Have a great senior season in HS!

:sycamores:

It's always nice to get that signature from a guy who verballed very early. Twice in the last few years Creighton has had to wait w/ Antoine Young and Josh Dotzler both of whom verballed as sophomores. Like RJ, there was always speculation that other teams could/would swoop in to take Josh or Antoine away from CU due to their play in regular season or in AAU. I'm glad to see RJ sign and can't wait for him to get to ISU...have a big healthy senior season RJ!!!

[BlueSycamore]

R.J. Mahurin............................COME ON DOWN! Looking forward to your arrival next season & will try to see a game or two from you this year.

[Lights Out]

There are alot of people fired up about RJ's signing and I don't blame them a bit. I do think that the "Sycamore Fan" has a lot of insight about RJ's progress and I was wondering if a certain "disco" legend is hiding behind a screen name? I mean we don't want people hiding behind screen names!!

[FreeThrow]

I think Mahurin has a chance to be successful at ISU, but whoever said there are similarities to Larry Bird is off their rocker. Come on man, give the kid a chance to succeed without unrealistic expectations!

[btisu22]

There are alot of people fired up about RJ's signing and I don't blame them a bit. I do think that the "Sycamore Fan" has a lot of insight about RJ's progress and I was wondering if a certain "disco" legend is hiding behind a screen name? I mean we don't want people hiding behind screen names!!

I don't think it's the same person that you think it is. I know Sycamore Fan, who is different than the Sycamore fan on the other board, and he isn't in this state. Nothing behind the screen name here.

[Lights Out]

Hopefully this isn't true, but I heard through the grapevine that RJ might have a broken thumb. I hope that isn't the case. I hope it doesn't effect his shot at playing with the Indiana All-Star Teams.

[FreeThrow]

I hope he isn't injured either, but look on the bright side.......if his thumb is indeed broken there will be even more reason for those of you to compare RJ to Larry Bird! I will always remember watching Larry in the 3pt contest one year....while his last "money" ball was in the air, him holding up the #1 finger....it was going in about 6 different directions!

[BlueBleeder]

That injured thumb sure didn't bother RJ tonight @ North Putnam. He lit up the score board for 35 points including several three point field goals. His shots looked good and he put the ball on the floor a few times going strong to the hoop. So i would have to say that injury isn't that big of a deal.

[SycamoreFBGM]

sorry but i dont think we have watched the same kid because he is far from "tough as nails."

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Why is this your first post ever? I mean this topic has not been discussed in nearly a year and you come on here trashing the kid? Come on man, I would love to hear what you have to say - but don't make an open ended post with no supporting facts.

[SycamoreFBGM]

Just found out about the site while reading the paper the other day. Hes a good shooter but from the games ive watched him play (8-10) he avoids contact. He doesnt move very well either. Hes not muscular enough to play down low in the MVC and not quick enough to guard people out on the perimeter either. Id like to see him redshirt and add some muscle. As an ISU fan I hope he does well but I dont know if thats going to help.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Ok fair enough, thanks for the response. I was just looking for more information from you. Because when someone comes on here with their first post and is "bashing" a kid then you have to wonder why?

For the record I really don't disagree with your assessment of R.J. I can't seem him playing anything but a 2 or a 3. However like you said I can see him having a tough time defending a 2 or 3 in the Mo Val. He seems to be a little one dimensional, all I have seen him do is shoot the rock. Lastly I think R.J is pretty darn slow, and that will really hurt him at this level.

[sycamorebacker]

Ok fair enough, thanks for the response. I was just looking for more information from you. Because when someone comes on here with their first post and is "bashing" a kid then you have to wonder why?

For the record I really don't disagree with your assessment of R.J. I can't seem him playing anything but a 2 or a 3. However like you said I can see him having a tough time defending a 2 or 3 in the Mo Val. He seems to be a little one dimensional, all I have seen him do is shoot the rock. Lastly I think R.J is pretty darn slow, and that will really hurt him at this level.

He will almost never play 2 or 3. His only option is a 4. If he does not make it as a 4, he does not play. His strongest attribute right now is his ability to score. In that regard, I think he's ahead of any of our recent big men.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

ahah backer it's all good buddy... I am not going to continue to have this conversation about RJ with you. It is just a carry over from a conversation we had months ago. So I will let you think what you want and I will think what I want. Because you are not going to be able to convince me that RJ can do anything that a good 4 in college hoops should be able to do... I can simply make a better case as to why he will play 3 over 4.

[sycamorebacker]

ahah backer it's all good buddy... I am not going to continue to have this conversation about RJ with you. It is just a carry over from a conversation we had months ago. So I will let you think what you want and I will think what I want. Because you are not going to be able to convince me that RJ can do anything that a good 4 in college hoops should be able to do... I can simply make a better case as to why he will play 3 over 4.

I suppose it would depend on the matchup. I can't see him guarding a Lathan or Doluony. But there are 3's he could guard. If you're talking about offense, then, you are right that his best D1 offense right now is his outside shot. But there is no reason he cannot develop some offense down low. He has a very good jump shot, all he needs is some muscle and moves. He has several years to improve that. Offensively, he is light years ahead of our other big men.

Let's face it. All of our freshmen have a lot of work to do. We tend to get excited on these forums, but I really think, on the surface, we had a weak recruiting class. I'm hopeful that we can bring in a couple of good ones this year. Having Kelly gives us some recruiting credibility.

I'm sorry you don't want to discuss this. I know it's a rehash, but I love to talk hoops anytime, even if I have to repeat myself.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

I suppose it would depend on the matchup. I can't see him guarding a Lathan or Doluony. But there are 3's he could guard. If you're talking about offense, then, you are right that his best D1 offense right now is his outside shot. But there is no reason he cannot develop some offense down low. He has a very good jump shot, all he needs is some muscle and moves. He has several years to improve that. Offensively, he is light years ahead of our other big men.

Let's face it. All of our freshmen have a lot of work to do. We tend to get excited on these forums, but I really think, on the surface, we had a weak recruiting class. I'm hopeful that we can bring in a couple of good ones this year. Having Kelly gives us some recruiting credibility.

I'm sorry you don't want to discuss this. I know it's a rehash, but I love to talk hoops anytime, even if I have to repeat myself.

Actually a very good post and you raise some valid points - that is until you said we had a weak class. I really like a lot of the things that happened with this class. Your bring in a great mix of local talent, that is something we have been laking over the years. Jake Odum is obviously not being given any consideration by you, I am sorry for that. If anything we added some much needed depth across the board, these players give us options. If you consider Kelly, Lathan and Koang all NEW faces to this program then I would say we had a pretty damm good off season. I mean We are talking about 5 to 7 new players who have never played a min. at Indiana State, I would suggest that we are going to be just fine...

[sycamorebacker]

Right. I'm very excited about our new faces. When you consider transfers and redshirts, we should be much improved. Every time I criticize Odum, you accuse me of not expecting much. You couldn't be more wrong. I am a big fan of Odum, but he has some work to do and he has some offensive limitations even though I know he will get a lot of points and assists with penetration.

[SycamoreFBGM]

Odum is the type of player this school has needed for the last 7 or 8 years. Weve needed someone that can get to the basket and finish or dump it off and finish when we go into those 7 or 8 minute scoring droughts. Weve had players that were capable of this (gabe moore or harry marshall) but I think Odum will see this and do it.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Couldn't agree more, he handles the ball to well not to be a good player at this level. Deceptively long and deceptively quick! The type of PG that can put up decent numbers across the board, stat sheet stuffer!

[sycamorebacker]

Couldn't agree more, he handles the ball to well not to be a good player at this level. Deceptively long and deceptively quick! The type of PG that can put up decent numbers across the board, stat sheet stuffer!

You hit the nail on the head. His handle allows him to do the stuff he does.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

I have recieved some information that RJ will be red shirted this season. This would be a little suprising to me, however I think it is the right move. Does anyone else have any information on this decision? Is it a done deal?

I was working under the impression that assuming Jake Kelly get's cleared then Jake Odum will for sure be red shirted for sure. I also would not be suprised to see on or both of the Eitel brother red shirted. Just was a little surpised when I heard this.

NOTE: That I am looking for more information to support this, I am not positive this information is correct.

[sycamorebacker]

I have recieved some information that RJ will be red shirted this season. This would be a little suprising to me, however I think it is the right move. Does anyone else have any information on this decision? Is it a done deal?

I was working under the impression that assuming Jake Kelly get's cleared then Jake Odum will for sure be red shirted for sure. I also would not be suprised to see on or both of the Eitel brother red shirted. Just was a little surpised when I heard this.

NOTE: That I am looking for more information to support this, I am not positive this information is correct.

I expected Jake and RJ to redshirt.

[sycamore fan]

I spoke with coaches as late as last Saturday and didn't get that impression from them. They indicated they really had no idea how things would pan out. They know I couldn't care less so I don't expect they'd sugar coat things!

My information indicates that the decision to red shirt (or not) will be completely up to the players involved. The way the process was explained to me is that after practices get started (and individual workouts are finally going now), coaches and players will sit down and discuss the role each kid is expected to play. An educated decision will then be made, but players are never forced to red shirt.

Coaches have not been able to watch open gym sessions due to NCAA rules, so they only know what they hear about the play of individual players during these sessions. From what I've heard, things have gone very well, and we have lots of pieces to choose from.

As far as red shirting goes, RJ's position is a little tougher to predict than our guards. We are loaded with guards, but our post play, like all mid-majors, is a little more in question. This is obviously because don't have as many athletes to choose from; we're never sure who will remain healthy; and there are surprises every year.

We'll know we've arrived when all freshmen red shirt routinely.

Personally, I don't care who red shirts as long as we win. I hope we can attack the .500 barrier this year as we build toward even brighter days beyond.

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Thanks for sharing! That's great insight... Although I wouldn't be surprised if he is going to red shirt and that decision might have already been made unofficially. But who knows?

[sycamorebacker]

I spoke with coaches as late as last Saturday and didn't get that impression from them. They indicated they really had no idea how things would pan out. They know I couldn't care less so I don't expect they'd sugar coat things!

My information indicates that the decision to red shirt (or not) will be completely up to the players involved. The way the process was explained to me is that after practices get started (and individual workouts are finally going now), coaches and players will sit down and discuss the role each kid is expected to play. An educated decision will then be made, but players are never forced to red shirt.

Coaches have not been able to watch open gym sessions due to NCAA rules, so they only know what they hear about the play of individual players during these sessions. From what I've heard, things have gone very well, and we have lots of pieces to choose from.

As far as red shirting goes, RJ's position is a little tougher to predict than our guards. We are loaded with guards, but our post play, like all mid-majors, is a little more in question. This is obviously because don't have as many athletes to choose from; we're never sure who will remain healthy; and there are surprises every year.

We'll know we've arrived when all freshmen red shirt routinely.

Personally, I don't care who red shirts as long as we win. I hope we can attack the .500 barrier this year as we build toward even brighter days beyond.

I we don't break .500, I won't expect any brighter days.

[Jason Svoboda]

Other members of Medlin¹s Athletes in Action team include Cory Jefferson (Baylor), AJ Walton (Baylor), Garrett Stutz (Wichita State), Toure Murry (Wichita State), Joe Bertrand (Illinois), RJ Mahurin (Indiana State), Aleksandar Marcius (Purdue), Kyle Weems (Missouri State) and Levi Knutson (Colorado). The head coach will be Kent Williams who is an assistant with Missouri State.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=294&sid=10379882

Will be playing for Athletes In Action in late May to early June. Give 'em hell, RJ!

[Jason Svoboda]

Was a beat in the Butler game. Sure he missed a few free throws, but without his offensive game, we lose by 40. Does anyone know if he still has medical problems? He was sat a couple times when he had the hot hand and I didn't understand it?

Also, anyone know if RJ is going to set the Sycamore record for drawing charges? He's like our Shane Battier.