'12 IN PG Ronnie Johnson (Purdue Verbal)

[Jason Svoboda]

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/uploaded_images/Ronnie-Johnson05091-701640.jpg

Point Guard
Indianapolis (IN) North Central
AAU: Eric Gordon Central Stars

Ht: 5'9"
Wt: 150 lbs

Profiles: ESPN | Rivals (http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Ronnie-Johnson-112561) | Scout

[Jason Svoboda]

Ronnie Johnson - the North Central player may be the most efficient of this group. The lefty shoots it well to beyond the arc, is very quick and uses fast bursts to the basket to finish before defenders can react. Seems to have grown some, maybe 5-foot-10 now and his older brother Terone (Purdue signee) is over 6-foot so he may have more growing to do. Lack of strength is an issue right now. Already has an offer from Ohio University and will probably get a lot more offers once college coaches see him in July and get a first hand look at how efficiently he both runs a team and how efficient his own offense can be. Also have to like that he was the point guard on the state 4A title team and battled Nic Moore throughout, helping foul out the Warsaw guard in the third quarter of that title game. Big reason why his Eric Gordon Central Stars team took home the IndyBall.com and Pitt Jam Fest titles in April.Rivals.

[Jason Svoboda]

On top of that Hollowell played within in the system of his team's offense, and made his teammates better. The main two that put on a show with Hollowell were Ronnie Johnson and Patrick Ingram.

Both Johnson and Ingram are running mates for North Central, and they each can do a little something different. Ingram is an athletic freak who also has the ability to catch and shot. Still what Ingram is known for is his above the rim finishing.

While offensive Ingram can be exciting, defensively is where he made the play of the game. With the ultra athletic Patterson going up for a layup in transition, Ingram tracked him down and met him above the rim for the block. The block in essence ended any hope Indiana Elite-ONE had of winning the game.

Johnson was the consummate point guard who did everything well. He has a lethal floater with his left hand on the baseline, and also finds teammates as well as anyone in transition. He is slight of stature, but his basketball IQ is off the charts.
From a recent Rivals article.

[Proud To Be A Tree]

The more I read, the more I like this kid in Sycamore blue. This is the kind of kid that can dominate in the MVC. I'll take Ingram too.

[Jason Svoboda]

North Central's Ronnie Johnson (2012) getting interest from Butler and Nevada. Has offers from Ohio and Indiana State. IndyStar

[IndyHoops]

Ronnie was huge today for Eric Gordon 16U. He's got insane court vision and passing, leading to a lot of open baskets for teammates. He's the kind of player that can make the crowd "ooh" "ahh" without scoring a single point. He's really improving his shooting, as he was 3-5 today from the 3-point stripe. He's got a knack for hitting the nice little 10'-14' floater in the lane. He's only 5'9, so defending at the D1 level will be tough for him no matter where he plays. He needs to add strength, but he's got the quickness to keep up with people.

Check me out on twitter for live updates of the Adidas Invitational and stuff all summer long.

http://twitter.com/IndyHoopsBlog

[Jason Svoboda]

Ronnie Johnson (http://georgiatech.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=112561): He is small, but Johnson flat out makes other people better. Johnson is an absolute problem for defenses coming off of ball screens because his jumper has improved where if his man goes under the screen he will burn you from deep, but if a defensive player goes over top the screen, he is so quick that he gets into the lane and from there it is either a floater for a bucket or a dish for an easy layup. Johnson is very left hand dominant, and needs to work on that part of his game, but when it comes to setting up teammates for buckets, he definitely fills the role.Rivals.

[Jason Svoboda]

Added offers from IUPUI and Southern Illinois. Also said Indiana and Purdue are now giving him looks.

http://jodydemling.courier-journal.com/2010/07/indy-pg-adding-offers.html

[Proud To Be A Tree]

Slowing becoming a nice offer list.

[Jason Svoboda]

Slowing becoming a nice offer list.
Yeah, his recruiting seems to be taking off. They had a very nice run out in Vegas.

[Jason Svoboda]

Picked up an offer from Ball State today.

[Dgreenwell3]

Idk if Testicle Tech will be a serious player in this whole thing tho...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Johnson showing offers from Ohio, Ball State and Indiana State per ESPN.com

[Dgreenwell3]

to be honest after seeing the way Mcwhorter played I wouldn't mind having another PG soon...I know he's a frosh and all I am just stating that I think Johnson would be a good match...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

to be honest after seeing the way Mcwhorter played I wouldn't mind having another PG soon...I know he's a frosh and all I am just stating that I think Johnson would be a good match...

Now come on DG you know better than that - are you judging him based on what you saw at the BBBP? That's not fair if so - you got to see the kid play for what 15-20 minutes. I am glad that track was never front a center of fans, because I had 15 to 20 minute workouts where I looked like a high school runner at times and I'd hate to think that I was actually going to judged on one practice.

Now he didn't look very good at the BBBP, but again it was not a fair indicator of what he or anyone can do for that matter.

[Dgreenwell3]

O I know Morgan I just want to be for sure we will have a very deep position at PG and if Mcwhorter just turns up to be a solid defender and back-up I would like to know that especially since the Valley is such a guard oriented league...

[SycamoreStateofMind]

O I know Morgan I just want to be for sure we will have a very deep position at PG and if Mcwhorter just turns up to be a solid defender and back-up I would like to know that especially since the Valley is such a guard oriented league...

Fair enough - I just figured I would defend him a little bit. You have to figure that they practiced before the doors actually opened and people started coming in. For all we know he looked lights out before many of us got to the HC.

I think with the team as a whole we will know more in less than a month. Once we see them in an actual game setting. Then we will have a little better information to go on.

[SycamoreBlue3209]

Im not too worried because Odum is only a freshman and Mcwhorter will only get better. He very well may redshirt too.

[shock3]

Johnson picked up an offer from St. Louis last weekend on a visit there.

[shock3]

Short highlight reel of Ronnie and Patrick Ingram from a scrimmage against Noblesville. Both have offers from Indiana State.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NiDlnAEQ8E

[Jason Svoboda]

Junior teammate Ronnie Johnson, a 6-foot point guard, also pitched in 14 points and four assists.

Johnson has offers from Ball State, Eastern Illinois, Indiana State, Ohio and St. Louis and is gaining interest from Butler and Illinois. Jay Price, an Illinois aide, was at Wednesday's game.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101126/SPORTS0615/11260355/1069/SPORTS0601/Ferrell-s-break-from-AAU-pays-off

[Jason Svoboda]

Has picked up an offer from Butler.

[Jason Svoboda]

Ronnie Johnson, PG, North Central- DSR's partner in the backcourt at North Central, the junior point guard looks to be growing a little bit. The southpaw is tremendously quick off the dribble, gets into the lane, pushes tempo and is becoming a threat to knock down jumpers with more consistency. The class of 2012 looks a bit thin at the point guard position and Johnson has elevated his game. He mentioned offers from Butler, Indiana State, Southern Illinois, Ball State, Eastern Illinois, IUPUI and others. More recently, he's started to hear from Michigan, Minnesota, Dayton, Saint Louis and Illinois.From a recent Rivals article.

[Jason Svoboda]

• Ronnie Johnson, North Central: You kept waiting for the 5-10 junior point guard to hit a big shot like he usually does when things got close in the fourth quarter, but it didn’t come on Friday. Johnson made a couple of nice drives to the basket in the first half, though. He finished with 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting.

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/01/15/top-performances-from-marion-county-tournament-semifinals/

[Jason Svoboda]

"Butler, Michigan, I've heard some from Minnesota, Dayton, Indiana State, Ball State, St. Louis, Illinois and that's about it," said the three-star point guard. "Butler offered me, so did Ball State, Indiana State, Eastern Illinois, Southern Illinois, IUPUI and a few more. Things are going pretty well."
From a recent Rivals article. He was bumped up to 3-stars after recent offers. Said he also will likely decide where he is going after his Summer AAU season.

[True Blue]

Took a visit to Illinois on Sunday.

[sycamorebacker]

He misses a lot of layups. Really, I don't see anybody on NC I would drool over except Smith-Rivera. I want someone that plays hard, smart and can shoot.

By the way, Chandler Thomas had about 18 rebounds tonight. I like his hustle.

[Jason Svoboda]

Kid is getting a LOT of love today by national analysts and on Twitter by Dakich and some others.


Got to think there will be more heavy interest from Big Ten and high majors in North Central junior PG Ronnie Johnson. Tons of heart


Ronnie Johnson North Central HS Indy is a big time winner..don't care how many stars or ranking..NCAA coachs..offer him now..thank me later!

http://twitter.com/#!/search/Ronnie%20Johnson

[Southgrad07]

Looks like he might get a little too big time for us. Too bad that was a kid I really liked.

[Jason Svoboda]

Looks like he might get a little too big time for us. Too bad that was a kid I really liked.
Possibly. The good news is our staff has diversified and also after Chicago PG Orris and Iowa PG Harrington, who are both top notch players themselves. As long as we land one of the three, we're good.

[Jason Svoboda]

http://www.indyhshoops.com/index.php/2011/03/12/johnson-leads-north-central-to-victory-over-pike-in-regionals/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

[Sycamore Proud]

Looks like he might get a little too big time for us. Too bad that was a kid I really liked.

Could be very true, but occasionally a talented kid will go with someone who showed a lot in interest in him early. Would be nice wouldn't it?

[Southgrad07]

Could be very true, but occasionally a talented kid will go with someone who showed a lot in interest in him early. Would be nice wouldn't it?

Hell to the yeah! If Lansing could pull him away from the likes of Illinois and Butler then he is a muchhhh better recruiter then I ever dreamed of.

[sycamorebacker]

Looks like he might get a little too big time for us. Too bad that was a kid I really liked.

I'm not crazy about him. There might be better players out there.

[SycamoreFan317]

I'm not crazy about him. He misses a lot of layups. There are better players out there.

Is that the only thing you noticed?

[sycamorebacker]

Is that the only thing you noticed?

No. Did I miss something?

[SycamoreFan317]

If that is the worse thing you can find about him I say take him for missing layups is very correctable and it happens to the best players from time to time. I would be more concerned with quickness, speed, ball handling, defense and how he sees the court just to name a few.

[sycamorebacker]

If that is the worse thing you can find about him I say take him for missing layups is very correctable and it happens to the best players from time to time. I would be more concerned with quickness, speed, ball handling, defense and how he sees the court just to name a few.

He has some skills. I've seen him play about 4-5 games this year. He can shoot the 3 and is quick. He might be good enough for us but I'd like to see some of the others we have offered.
I just hate it when players just throw the ball up there instead of focusing and finishing layups.
At his height, he has to be really good. He is scoring a lot right now on TV, but they are basically uncontested 3's and layups. It takes more than that to play college ball.
He and Ingram are both more active today since Smith-Rivera is not playing. they probably really show their stuff in AAU.

[True Blue]

Him and Dee Davis were the two best pg's I saw this year and I saw a lot.

[sycamorebacker]

Him and Dee Davis were the two best pg's I saw this year and I saw a lot.

Davis is very, very good. I was probably too critical on Johnson but i woudn't recruit him. He is just too casual on layups. I want a player that absolutely does not want to miss.

I like Ingram's effort and game but he is pretty passive on offense. He could be good I think, but I don't know his guard skills.
I like Drew at Cathedral. He could develop into a SF. He is athletic and is a team player.

[sycamorebacker]

Johnson and Ingram looked very good tonight. The tournament brings out the best in the players.

[bigsportsfan]

I saw Davis play in person today at Seymour and Johnson play on TV tonight from Indy. I think I like Johnson's game better. I retract an earlier statement that he's too small. (He still might be, but he makes up for it.)

[SycamoreFan317]

If Johnson ends up at a mid-major it will be by his choice not because of a lack of offers, he can flat out play.

[sycamorebacker]

If Johnson ends up at a mid-major it will be by his choice not because of a lack of offers, he can flat out play.

How many 140 pounders play in the Big 10?

[Jason Svoboda]

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/03/12/emptying-the-notebook-from-hinkle-fieldhouse/

[bigsportsfan]

As I was watching him on TV last night, after the first quarter I was rooting for him to miss every shot or make turnovers so that might make the big boys to decide they don't want him. I was really impressed.

[IndyMitchell]

I saw him play at Hinkle this past weekend. He was special. I hope that ISU gets him but I know some big schools will be looking at him pretty hard. He made all of his teammates better. He drove at will and was simply the difference in both games. A real point guard with great vision. I bet he got his teammates 7-8 wide open layups. He's going to be a great college point guard!

[sycamorebacker]

Here's a ranking of the 13-24 underclassmen in Indiana:


Second 12
Bryson Scott 6-2 So. PG Ft. Wayne Northrop PU
Collin Hartman 6-6 So. WF Indianapolis Cathedral IU
V. J. Beachem 6-5 So. WF Ft. Wayne Harding
Zak Irvin 6-5 So. SM Fishers Hamilton Southeastern
DeJuan Marrero 6-5 Jr. CF Gary Bowman Academy
Kellen Dunham 6-4 Jr. SM Pendleton Pendleton Heights Butler
Ronnie Johnson 5-11 Jr. PG Indianapolis North Central
Nick Osborne 6-8 Jr. C Muncie Central
Rhett Smith 6-7 Jr. CF Sullivan ISU
Brent Calhoun 6-7 Jr. C-F Indianapolis Warren Central
Jermaine Myers 6-1 Jr. CG Culver Military
Darryl Baker 6-2 So. CG Jeffersonville

http://kyprephoops.com/1011/Feb11BolusINBoys.html

[Jason Svoboda]

I saw him play at Hinkle this past weekend. He was special. I hope that ISU gets him but I know some big schools will be looking at him pretty hard. He made all of his teammates better. He drove at will and was simply the difference in both games. A real point guard with great vision. I bet he got his teammates 7-8 wide open layups. He's going to be a great college point guard!
I agree. I don't care about his measurables, he's a winner.

[Jason Svoboda]

Looks like Butler may be the favorite. Then again, I'm sure that is all he was asked about since it is the Indy Star.

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/03/16/ronnie-johnson-on-recruitment-regional-and-bloomington-south/

[SycamoreFan317]

Looks like Butler may be the favorite. Then again, I'm sure that is all he was asked about since it is the Indy Star.

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/03/16/ronnie-johnson-on-recruitment-regional-and-bloomington-south/

He left the door open a little bit when he mentioned taking visits this summer, so we need to show him a lot of love. I wonder if he has the grades for Butler?

[Title_BU]

I doubt there will be a spot for him, if he keeps is stated timeline.

Butler has another 2012 point guard offer (possibly two, but I doubt the accuracy) and he's been rumored to be "almost there" for quite a while. The 2nd offer has mentioned committing after school ends.

And then, Brad Stevens was just up in Minneapolis to see #97 Siyani Chambers on Friday. Because he's already visited, I suppose something could pop there as well.

----

Anyway, point being, with only one guard spot left, I dont think its likely it makes it through July.

[Southgrad07]

Coach Lansing is at the North Central Semi State game, to see Johnson and Ingram I presume

[Patriot_Sycamore]

gotta love the hard work.....Just got back in town after 12:30 from Cleveland and back out recruiting.....strike while the iron is hot

[Southgrad07]

Johnson tweeted last night around the time we were making our run in the second half that "Indiana State is really killin". Would of been nice to get a win, but at least we know he was watching and hopefully is interested. This is where it would be great to have a Indy kid like K.Smith get in his ear about coming here. It would also be nice to develop a pipeline with North Central, they have a great basketball program that turns out a lot of D1 talent.

[IndyTreeFan]

Coach Lansing is at the North Central Semi State game, to see Johnson and Ingram I presume

Wow...

[Sycamore Proud]

Coach Lansing is at the North Central Semi State game, to see Johnson and Ingram I presume

I believe he was the best choice/fit for ISU, even if there had be time to do a national search. There may have been someone with more "qualifications" and/or a bigger "name" that might have taken the job. The most important thing is that Greg Lansing obviously loves Indiana State and wants to be here. Our players respect the man. We should be most thankful that he is here.

[Southgrad07]

I believe he was the best choice/fit for ISU, even if there had be time to do a national search. There may have been someone with more "qualifications" and/or a bigger "name" that might have taken the job. The most important thing is that Greg Lansing obviously loves Indiana State and wants to be here. Our players respect the man. We should be most thankful that he is here.

:wordyo:

[ISU_TREE_FAN]

He is playing on channel 4 right now vs. Bloomington South for the semi-state championship. He is definitely running the show!

[sycamorebacker]

Johnson tweeted last night around the time we were making our run in the second half that "Indiana State is really killin". Would of been nice to get a win, but at least we know he was watching and hopefully is interested. This is where it would be great to have a Indy kid like K.Smith get in his ear about coming here. It would also be nice to develop a pipeline with North Central, they have a great basketball program that turns out a lot of D1 talent.

Shouldn't he have been asleep?

[SycamoreFan317]

Shouldn't he have been asleep?

Why? They didn't play until 3:30 pm.

[sycamorebacker]

right, you don't want regular hours for training. :rolleyes:

[Dgreenwell3]

Kids who truly love the game stay up for games that interest them...see no problem witht hat.

[sycamorebacker]

Kids who truly love the game stay up for games that interest them...see no problem witht hat.

they looked terrible Saturday, remember?

[SycamoreFan317]

they looked terrible Saturday, remember?

Do you really think that was their problem? I am sure some of the Bloomington players stayed up as well, I think North Central's biggest problem was their opponent was better than them on Sat.

[sycamorebacker]

I don't know if BL was better. I watched part of the game and NC didn't look very good. I don't think they were ready.

[Jason Svoboda]

The all-county first team: D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, North Central, jr.; Yogi Ferrell, Park Tudor, jr.; Jeremy Hollowell, Lawrence Central, jr.; Ronnie Johnson, North Central, jr.

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/03/22/teague-named-marion-county-player-of-the-year-by-coaches/

[Jason Svoboda]

First Team Underclassman All-State

http://www.ibcacoaches.com/History_File_IBCA/IBCA_All-State/2011_underclass_all_state_boys.asp

[Southgrad07]

If we got this kid it would really show how good of a recruited Lansing is. Kid already has offers from PU and Ill

[Jason Svoboda]

If we got this kid it would really show how good of a recruited Lansing is. Kid already has offers from PU and Ill
He doesn't have offers from either unless that changed very recently. Purdue is full for the 2012 class and Illinois has a couple other kids ahead of him but have had him visit.

[Southgrad07]

He doesn't have offers from either unless that changed very recently. Purdue is full for the 2012 class and Illinois has a couple other kids ahead of him but have had him visit.

it was reported on purdues rival site he did earlier this week and yea im not totally sure on the ill offer just had heard he did. Nonetheless look at Indiana they keep adding people even though they are full in 2012 so just because they are full doesnt mean they cant offer. They will just bank on someone leaving before then or push someone out the door if they need to. Most PU fans couldnt believe they would offer Johnson and not offer Hollowell. Does this kid play with Rhett Smith in AAU ball?

[sycamorebacker]

Johnson is pretty small for high major. I think that would be some stretch and I don't believe he would get a big 10 offer as a junior. He probably weighs 25 lbs. less than Lewis Jackson. (just a guess)

[Jason Svoboda]

it was reported on purdues rival site he did earlier this week and yea im not totally sure on the ill offer just had heard he did. Nonetheless look at Indiana they keep adding people even though they are full in 2012 so just because they are full doesnt mean they cant offer. They will just bank on someone leaving before then or push someone out the door if they need to. Most PU fans couldnt believe they would offer Johnson and not offer Hollowell. Does this kid play with Rhett Smith in AAU ball?
I think someone was inaccurate. I just went and read all of the RJ articles on Rivals and none speak of an offer. If it is on the message board, take it for a grain of salt. Additionally, I can't find anyone they'd push away to open a spot for him. They also already have a signed PG in the 2012 class.

[Jason Svoboda]

Johnson said Purdue has offered per IndyStar's Neddenriep. I'd imagine this one is over with his brother there. He's visiting next Friday.

http://twitter.com/#!/KyleNeddenriep

[sycamorebacker]

Johnson said Purdue has offered per IndyStar's Neddenriep. I'd imagine this one is over with his brother there. He's visiting next Friday.

http://twitter.com/#!/KyleNeddenriep

Quoting the Star: His other favs are Ill and Butler.

[Bluesier]

From Twitter:

micbriabrbraaly @doobdoo3 Good Luck on ur visit Friday. hope u come back a BOILER! #boilerup

[Jason Svoboda]

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/04/27/decision-time-likely-closer-for-ronnie-johnson/

Butler got their point for 2012. What this means is Ronnie Johnson's scholarship is now off the table and they're done with Marcus Marshall, too. On Johnson, Illinois is mentioned in this article, but they just offered Michael Orris, who we've also offered, so I doubt they offer him. Looks like he'll be Purdue bound.

[SycamoreFan317]

Per Twitter:

KyleNeddenriep Kyle Neddenriep
North Central's Ronnie Johnson (2012) picked up an offer from Illinois today while on an unofficial visit.
3 minutes ago

[Jason Svoboda]

Per Twitter:

KyleNeddenriep Kyle Neddenriep
North Central's Ronnie Johnson (2012) picked up an offer from Illinois today while on an unofficial visit.
3 minutes ago
Wow, I didn't see that coming with their offers. They must not feel good with Orris.

[Southgrad07]

Knew Illinois and Purdue were on him hard, not surprised to see the official offers come out. Kid is a player but Idk about his potential as a big ten point guard.

[Title_BU]

http://blogs.indystar.com/recruitingcentral/2011/04/27/decision-time-likely-closer-for-ronnie-johnson/

Butler got their point for 2012. What this means is Ronnie Johnson's scholarship is now off the table

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110429/SPORTS02/104290341/1057/SPORTS02

There's an unconfirmed rumor that Johnson was going to commit on Wednesday. This isn't surprising, CHD was the primary point guard target after Yogi chose Indiana. Really all that's surprising is it didn't happen in January when it was first rumored to be over.

Kids sometimes just wait too long. Luckily, he's got some nice options.

[Jason Svoboda]

Will decide between Illinois and Purdue.

http://www.indyhshoops.com/index.php/2011/04/30/video-ronnie-johnson-talks-recruiting-upcoming-decision/

[Jason Svoboda]

Will decide between Illinois and Purdue.

http://www.indyhshoops.com/index.php/2011/04/30/video-ronnie-johnson-talks-recruiting-upcoming-decision/
Announcing tomorrow.

[Jason Svoboda]

Committed to Purdue.

[bigsportsfan]

Over his head there. He'll be at ISU in less than two years.

[Teamwork]

Over his head there. He'll be at ISU in less than two years.

If we have room and need him maybe................????????

[Sycamore Proud]

If he's not good enough to play at PU, and we aim to beat PU (if and when we get to play them) why would we take him? Logically we wouldn't need him; practicality may dictate a different approach--if he is available. I don't think he will be available.

[SycamoreFan317]

To all of you doubters a lot of people said that Scott Skiles would never make it at Michigan State and he proved them wrong because he is a "winner". Mr. Johnson is a "winner" also and will be just fine at Purdue.

[sycamorebacker]

To all of you doubters a lot of people said that Scott Skiles would never make it at Michigan State and he proved them wrong because he is a "winner". Mr. Johnson is a "winner" also and will be just fine at Purdue.

For every Skiles there are 20 players that people said wouldn't make it, and they didn't make it.

[SycamoreFan317]

For every Skiles there are 20 players that people said wouldn't make it, and they didn't make it.

Time will tell and that is the way we should leave it, nobody has a right to bring this young man down and tell him that he can not reach his dream.

[Bluesier]

It seems like backer always brings the negative presence. Ronnie is a very nice player, I would have loved to compliment Odum with his quickness. He will be fine at Purdue, I think he will be more productive than Lewis Jackson and he has started at Purdue. His brother is up at Purdue, which will also help him in his development to high major D-1 basketball.

[sycamorebacker]

Time will tell and that is the way we should leave it, nobody has a right to bring this young man down and tell him that he can not reach his dream.

Oh yes. Heaven forbid we have an opinion.

[sycamorebacker]

It's hard to argue with Painter. He took Hart when nobody else would and he's shown some ability.
You don't see many good big 10 guards his size. Would you sign a guard in the big 10 if you knew there would be a chance they would never make a contested layup for you?

[sycamorebacker]

It seems like backer always brings the negative presence.

Huh. When have I been negative? I am a very positive person. I've even been accused of being a Pollyanna.
I guess people will make up anything to try to discredit someone they don't agree with.

[Bluesier]

You don't see many good big 10 guards his size. Would you sign a guard in the big 10 if you knew there would be a chance they would never make a contested layup for you?

The example is Lewis Jackson.

[bigsportsfan]

Time will tell and that is the way we should leave it, nobody has a right to bring this young man down and tell him that he can not reach his dream.

I agree. Forums like this are for fans to debate issues in the off-season, and I'm not bringing him down. I think he's a good player, but I think he's too little for the Big Ten. We'll see. For the record, I bet Scott Skiles had 25-30 pounds on Johnson when coming out of high school. I was in no way surprised Skiles made it; he was a fun player to watch. Johnson seems like a good guy from his demeanor on the court, and I hope he does well. I just don't think he'll do that well at that level and would have been much better off coming here or a similar rising mid-major.

[sycamorebacker]

The example is Lewis Jackson.

Yes, Jackson is small. He hasn't done much until Jr year. I bet he has 30 pounds on Johnson and is a lot stronger. They have different skill sets. Jackson is not much of a shooter. I've seen Johnson play several times. He doesn't fininsh layups and I don't think he can create a jump shot and score. He is quick, a good passer, and a good 3 shooterr. I think he might be making a mistake, but he can get an education.
And I don't care what his dream is. We all have failed dreams.

[Bluesier]

I have also seen Ronnie play multiple times and I believe he is better than Lewis Jackson. Therefore, he would be an upgrade for Purdue.

[4Q_iu]

Yes, Jackson is small. He hasn't done much until Jr year. I bet he has 30 pounds on Johnson and is a lot stronger. They have different skill sets. Jackson is not much of a shooter. I've seen Johnson play several times. He doesn't fininsh layups and I don't think he can create a jump shot and score. He is quick, a good passer, and a good 3 shooterr. I think he might be making a mistake, but he can get an education.
And I don't care what his dream is. We all have failed dreams.

I just checked Jackson's profile on ESPN... they list him at 5'9" & 165.

Guess those 15 lbs look twice as large... Also remember Jackson having an injury last season

Not surprised we lost Johnson to west laffy; family ties are a definite plus.

Though it's probably best we DIDN'T land Kelsey Barlow (since we had his brother...) barlow seems like QUITE the head case -- let painter deal with him

[sycamorebacker]

I have also seen Ronnie play multiple times and I believe he is better than Lewis Jackson. Therefore, he would be an upgrade for Purdue.

true. Jackson is ok, but just ok. Seems like Painter takes some players that are not quite as good as he needs. Jackson, Bade, Carroll, Hart might be examples. Other than the big 3, they are not getting the players or depth they need.

[sycamorebacker]

I just checked Jackson's profile on ESPN... they list him at 5'9" & 165.

Guess those 15 lbs look twice as large... Also remember Jackson having an injury last season

Not surprised we lost Johnson to west laffy; family ties are a definite plus.

Though it's probably best we DIDN'T land Kelsey Barlow (since we had his brother...) barlow seems like QUITE the head case -- let painter deal with him

My daughter is 140 and I think she could break him over her knee.

[Bluesier]

true. Jackson is ok, but just ok. Seems like Painter takes some players that are not quite as good as he needs. Jackson, Bade, Carroll, Hart might be examples. Other than the big 3, they are not getting the players or depth they need.

Agree. They seem to get a lot of "role players" but they are hard-nosed and seem to get the job done.

[Dgreenwell3]

It's hard to get a player comparable to Cody Zeller to come to Purdue. Painter isn't a good coach, he is a great coach.

[4Q_iu]

My daughter is 140 and I think she could break him over her knee.

Jackson or Johnson??

RE: The earlier comments about Skiles....

The only thing I remember people questioning about Skiles and college...
was NOT his playing ability but his ability or will power... could he, would he be able to avoid the "new freedoms" that occur at college... i.e. MAINLY giving up his beer, pot and coke habit...

Can't believe that scared off gloomington (considering the bong heads that were featured on many gloomington teams), not sure why Skiles ended up in East Lansing... perhaps Heathcote (and Izzo) didn't MIND the dope usage (though Izzo got there after Skiles)

[sycamorebacker]

Agree. They seem to get a lot of "role players" but they are hard-nosed and seem to get the job done.

Great defense and hustle. But are they going to "get the job done" now that Johnson is gone?

[SycamoreFan317]

Jackson or Johnson??

RE: The earlier comments about Skiles....

The only thing I remember people questioning about Skiles and college...
was NOT his playing ability but his ability or will power... could he, would he be able to avoid the "new freedoms" that occur at college... i.e. MAINLY giving up his beer, pot and coke habit...

Can't believe that scared off gloomington (considering the bong heads that were featured on many gloomington teams), not sure why Skiles ended up in East Lansing... perhaps Heathcote (and Izzo) didn't MIND the dope usage (though Izzo got there after Skiles)

Where are you getting your info at about Scott?

[bigsportsfan]

Probably from this SI article:

On Aug. 29, 1984, shortly before his junior year at Michigan State, Skiles was driving his car near Plymouth when a policeman pulled him over. The policeman said that he found at least one small vial containing a small quantity of cocaine and a plastic bag containing marijuana in a gym bag in the front seat. Skiles's initial explanation was that his roommate had hidden the drugs in his bag. Then he said he didn't know how they got there. He was arrested and released pending trial. Three weeks later, near East Lansing, Skiles was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

In April 1985, Skiles pleaded guilty in Plymouth to a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. The felony cocaine charge was dropped. He received one year's probation, one of the conditions of which was that he not drink or set foot in a bar. He also paid a fine of approximately $100 and worked 120 hours in a home for the aged. In Michigan he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of impaired driving. There he paid about $300 in fines and spent nearly three days in jail.

Then, in the early hours of Nov. 7, 1985, 2� weeks before the start of this basketball season, Skiles was arrested again, this time in East Lansing, and charged with driving while intoxicated. There was a public outcry. Detroit News columnist Corky Meinecke wrote, "[ Skiles] has worn out his welcome. He is an embarrassment to his university, his coach, his teammates and himself."

[SycamoreFan317]

Probably from this SI article:

On Aug. 29, 1984, shortly before his junior year at Michigan State, Skiles was driving his car near Plymouth when a policeman pulled him over. The policeman said that he found at least one small vial containing a small quantity of cocaine and a plastic bag containing marijuana in a gym bag in the front seat. Skiles's initial explanation was that his roommate had hidden the drugs in his bag. Then he said he didn't know how they got there. He was arrested and released pending trial. Three weeks later, near East Lansing, Skiles was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

In April 1985, Skiles pleaded guilty in Plymouth to a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. The felony cocaine charge was dropped. He received one year's probation, one of the conditions of which was that he not drink or set foot in a bar. He also paid a fine of approximately $100 and worked 120 hours in a home for the aged. In Michigan he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of impaired driving. There he paid about $300 in fines and spent nearly three days in jail.

Then, in the early hours of Nov. 7, 1985, 2� weeks before the start of this basketball season, Skiles was arrested again, this time in East Lansing, and charged with driving while intoxicated. There was a public outcry. Detroit News columnist Corky Meinecke wrote, "[ Skiles] has worn out his welcome. He is an embarrassment to his university, his coach, his teammates and himself."

These issues started after Scott left Plymouth for East Lansing, he obviously picked the wrong friends in Michigan. Scott had none of these problems during his high school career, I know I was at Plymouth H.S. during his senior year and had him in class twice a day. There were a number of "experts" that said Scott was too slow to play major DI others said that he was too small. The kid was simply a "winner" just like Ronnie Johnson.

[sycamorebacker]

These issues started after Scott left Plymouth for East Lansing, he obviously picked the wrong friends in Michigan. Scott had none of these problems during his high school career, I know I was at Plymouth H.S. during his senior year and had him in class twice a day. There were a number of "experts" that said Scott was too slow to play major DI others said that he was too small. The kid was simply a "winner" just like Ronnie Johnson.

That brings up another point (since we have gotten off track). He really wasn't slow, was he? Was that a stereotype? I remember someone saying that when he saw Damon play AAU, he didn't realize he was so fast until he saw him beating others down the floor. I think the "assumption" was that he was not fast since he was white.

I coached a black softball player from LN one summer. We played a chicago team that was really fast. They had some girls around that 3 sec mark to first. She said "Wow, these are the fastest girls I've ever seen -- and they're white."

[dr. bucket]

That brings up another point (since we have gotten off track). He really wasn't slow, was he? Was that a stereotype? I remember someone saying that when he saw Damon play AAU, he didn't realize he was so fast until he saw him beating others down the floor. I think the "assumption" was that he was not fast since he was white.

I coached a black softball player from LN one summer. We played a chicago team that was really fast. They had some girls around that 3 sec mark to first. She said "Wow, these are the fastest girls I've ever seen -- and they're white."

jerry tarkanian said: white guys are never as slow as they look. he also said if you want to appear even slower to your opponent wear black shoes.

i stand by tark in these opinions.

[Gotta Hav]

The only thing I remember people questioning about Skiles and college...was NOT his playing ability but his ability or will power... could he, would he be able to avoid the "new freedoms" that occur at college... i.e. MAINLY giving up his beer, pot and coke habit...

Wow....Skiles was drinking beer, smoking weed, and had a mind blowing coke habit at Plymouth High School, and by doing that, he almost single handidly beat Gary Roosevelt for the State Championship, and beat Indianapolis Cathedral in the afternoon game...39 and 30 points respectively for those games....not bad for big time doper for what is now a 3A school.

If Skiles was that successful being hammered, maybe he should have gotten into heroin, and found a cure for cancer....and if meth was available back then just think what he could have done with his life......is becoming a Brain Surgeon without going to college out of the question?

[SycamoreFan317]

Wow....Skiles was drinking beer, smoking weed, and had a mind blowing coke habit at Plymouth High School, and by doing that, he almost single handidly beat Gary Roosevelt for the State Championship, and beat Indianapolis Cathedral in the afternoon game...39 and 30 points respectively for those games....not bad for big time doper for what is now a 3A school.

If Skiles was that successful being hammered, maybe he should have gotten into heroin, and found a cure for cancer....and if meth was available back then just think what he could have done with his life......is becoming a Brain Surgeon without going to college out of the question?

Scott did not have those habits in high school.

[4Q_iu]

SycFan 317 -- are you a teacher; active, former or retired?

I received 2nd hand info about Skiles; mainly that all of these habits were occuring before Mich State, while in HS from other kids at Plymouth during the 'Skiles Era.'

I know I was doing stuff in HS that my parents and teachers didn't know about

As to Gotta Hav's points? Who knows but didn't Gary McClain (sp?) claim to be high during Villanova's "perfect' NCAA title game in 1985?

Was it Bill 'The Spaceman' Lee (or other 1970s flake pitcher) who claimed to be pitching while high?

Mickey Mantle played how many games hungover?

[Gotta Hav]

Scott did not have those habits in high school.

I never said that he did.....4Q_IU said that....I was just extrapolating, being tongue-in-cheek, and sniping.

[Gotta Hav]

Mickey Mantle played how many games hungover?

Are you being just a little bit generous and kind here? The rumor was, MM was more than hungover. The fair question might be, how many games did MM play drunk?

[SycamoreFan317]

SycFan 317 -- are you a teacher; active, former or retired?

I received 2nd hand info about Skiles; mainly that all of these habits were occuring before Mich State, while in HS from other kids at Plymouth during the 'Skiles Era.'

I know I was doing stuff in HS that my parents and teachers didn't know about

As to Gotta Hav's points? Who knows but didn't Gary McClain (sp?) claim to be high during Villanova's "perfect' NCAA title game in 1985?

Was it Bill 'The Spaceman' Lee (or other 1970s flake pitcher) who claimed to be pitching while high?

Mickey Mantle played how many games hungover?

If you would have read my post above you would have the answer to your question.

[4Q_iu]

If you would have read my post above you would have the answer to your question.

Thank you.

So, UNLESS you ARE Scott Skiles, I'll stand by what I posted.

It was 2nd hand info; while some kids pick up bad habits in college (Skiles certainly did, he has the police record to back it.) Others develop those habits earlier.

[4Q_iu]

Are you being just a little bit generous and kind here? The rumor was, MM was more than hungover. The fair question might be, how many games did MM play drunk?

Agreed -- they played far more day games (start times of 3, 4, 5) than night games; considering his consumption... he could very easily have still been legally drunk.

Always found this statement both sad and ironic:

"If I knew I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

[Dgreenwell3]

while this conversation is awesome why don't we keep it on-topic...

[SycamoreFan317]

Thank you.

So, UNLESS you ARE Scott Skiles, I'll stand by what I posted.

It was 2nd hand info; while some kids pick up bad habits in college (Skiles certainly did, he has the police record to back it.) Others develop those habits earlier.

You are slandering him pure and simple. My info is first hand from direct knowledge.

[4Q_iu]

You are slandering him pure and simple. My info is first hand from direct knowledge.

If I'm guilty of anything (and I'm NOT admitting guilt), it was libel (written) vs. slander (oral)

And given his police record; I don't think EITHER charge would stand in court.

As to your first hand knowledge; I'm sorry, just because you are a teacher in the Plymouth system DOES NOT mean you know EVERYTHING about Scott Skiles; unless YOU ARE Scott Skiles.

[SycamoreFan317]

If I'm guilty of anything (and I'm NOT admitting guilt), it was libel (written) vs. slander (oral)

And given his police record; I don't think EITHER charge would stand in court.

As to your first hand knowledge; I'm sorry, just because you are a teacher in the Plymouth system DOES NOT mean you know EVERYTHING about Scott Skiles; unless YOU ARE Scott Skiles.

You are correct about the libel, everything else you are a liar.

[4Q_iu]

You are correct about the libel, everything else you are a liar.

Send me a PM if you wish -- regardless, pound sand.

[dr. bucket]

viva john peter zenger!