Commits/Recruiting

[MattTheEagle]

Garland Owens will decide next saturday.

It's between BC and Seton Hall. I would like to think we have a good shot, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[RedBaron67]

Garland Owens will decide next saturday.

I hope he chooses BC he definitely fills a need. He has good athleticism and should be able to help on the boards.

Watched his highlight video. He def. has the athletic tools but I question his skill level.

Yea, I agree...a bit suspect. I wonder if he can shoot as well as slash

What you're both saying is true, but you're also beating a dead horse. Owens grew up as a multisport athlete, and only decided to concentrate on basketball a couple of years ago. His ESPN scouting report says plainly that he needs to raise his skills to the level of his athleticism. Owens himself says that one of his major reasons for doing a postgrad year at Massanutten is to work on his skills. It's because of this gap between skill level and athleticism that BC has only one high-major competitor for Owens; if his skills were equal to his athleticism, BC would be lost in the stampede of high-major programs chasing him. Donahue & Co. are making a calculated gamble that Owens will fulfill his potential, in part because they don't appear to have much chance of signing someone more developed for 2013 (with the possible exception of Vonleh, who's a special and unusual case). This is something they have to do in the program's current state -- which is still shaky enough that we really have to worry about beating out Seton Hall (although I would rate our chances better than even).

[eepstein0]

Seton Hall is a decent program.

[BCEaglesFan]

What I'm wondering is if he will take a visit to Seton Hall...

[Shaddix]

Seton Hall is a decent program.

Especially recently.

[RedBaron67]

Seton Hall is a decent program.

Especially recently.

I agree; that's why we have to worry seriously about getting Owens. If the BC program were performing the way it did during Skinner's best years, we could breathe a little easier.

[BCEaglesFan]

Never mind...according to Hoff Owens will visit Seton Hall next weekend. I assume he'll decide after the visit.

[gaelfu]

Selden to Kansas. Was that one of the schools Vonleh was considering? I wonder if he wants to play with Wayne.

[BCEaglesFan]

"I want to go somewhere where I can contribute right away. I want to play in a great conference, with a great coaching staff, great players around me, and a good education," said Owens.

Some people have speculated that since Owens is visiting the Hall last, and since he is set to make his decision this weekend, that the Pirates could be the leaders in this race. Owens said that people shouldn't read into his visit schedule.

Owens just returned from a trip to the Heights over the weekend and has positive reviews of his experience.

"It was a great visit. I had a good time with the coaches and the players. The coaches really have a vision for me and I like where they see my in the future. I loved everything about the trip," said Owens.

The BC coaches left a good impression on the forward.

"I spent time with the entire coaching staff. They showed me that they would be a big part of my success and they want me to succeed," said Owens. "Coach Waheed was the first coach from BC that I talked with and we kept in touch. I've talked to most of the coaches on the staff through the process. The BC coaches have probably shown me the most love so far," said Owens.

At times last season the Eagles had a tough time defending athletic wings and athletic two guards. It seems like Owens might be able to fill that void, among others.

"Coaches tell me that I use my athleticism to my advantage well. I can get to the basket quickly in transition and I can play defense well too," said Owens. "I need to improve my jump shot. I've been working on it a lot and it keeps getting better."

Owens was originally a member of the 2012 class. He didn't get as many high major offers as he wanted though so he decided to attend prep school this year at Massanutten Military Academy.

Owens' recruitment started to heat up before he ever stepped foot at prep school though. This summer Owens turned in some impressive performances which caught the attention of a few high major schools. Owens attributes the big summer to hard work in the spring.
"I think my AAU coach helped. He had me in the gym everyday. The Reebok camp helped me out too because I got a lot of exposure to show off my talents," said Owens.

EagleAction will keep you updated as to which school Owens chooses this weekend.

Hoff also said that he'd give BC a slight edge over the Hall, even though Owens visits the Pirates next Thursday through Saturday. I hope he's right.

[eepstein0]

Owens doesn't mean we're out on Vonleh right?

[Brablc]

Owens doesn't mean we're out on Vonleh right?

I would assume not. Vonleh can play PF right?

[MattTheEagle]

Owens doesn't mean we're out on Vonleh right?

Definitely not. I am guessing that if we land Owens we will be done for 2013 except if we could miraculously land Vonleh. I assume we are still pushing hard with Vonleh. Owens is a four-year player who can help us where we desperately need it at the 3. Vonleh on the other hand is more like a 4 (maybe swinging to the 3 at times). Vonleh also may be a one and done so even if there is any overlap, it likely wouldn't last long.

If we land Owens, I will be very happy. He is precisely the type of player we need. He was planning to decide on Saturday between BC and Seton Hall. It sounds like the BC trip went well which is encouraging. It makes sense that he wants to also visit the other school he is seriously considering, but if we don't hear from Owens on Saturday I will start to get a bit worried.

[BCEaglesFan]

Owens doesn't mean we're out on Vonleh right?

Definitely not. I am guessing that if we land Owens we will be done for 2013 except if we could miraculously land Vonleh. I assume we are still pushing hard with Vonleh. Owens is a four-year player who can help us where we desperately need it at the 3. Vonleh on the other hand is more like a 4 (maybe swinging to the 3 at times). Vonleh also may be a one and done so even if there is any overlap, it likely wouldn't last long.

If we land Owens, I will be very happy. He is precisely the type of player we need. He was planning to decide on Saturday between BC and Seton Hall. It sounds like the BC trip went well which is encouraging. It makes sense that he wants to also visit the other school he is seriously considering, but if we don't hear from Owens on Saturday I will start to get a bit worried.

Since Hoff said he'd give BC a slight edge, I feel better about BC's chances.

[BCEaglesFan]

From Garland Owens' twitter:

@Owens_5
I'm committing this weekend but I'm pushing it back a day to Sunday not Saturday.

[bcbcbcbcbc4444]

BJ Johnson to the Cuse

[RedBaron67]

From Garland Owens' twitter:

@Owens_5
I'm committing this weekend but I'm pushing it back a day to Sunday not Saturday.

That makes sense; if he's coming home from Seton Hall on Saturday, he's at least going to give himself overnight to be sure he's settled on his decision.

[BCEaglesFan]

More on Owens; this from the BC 247 guy:

BC in the lead right now by a good bit. We'll see what happens after his Seton Hall trip.

When I asked him for who Owens will choose, he said this:

Tough one because I don't know what Seton Hall will have in store for him when he visits.

Let me get in touch with him again to get a better read, but right now I'd say BC.

[claver2010]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

[eepstein0]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

[RedBaron67]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

I'm glad that you feel better about Owens; I think he'll help a lot on the wing if we get him.

You forgot to add Van Nest to Odio/Caudill, but even cut three ways interior depth looks like a big problem this season. I suspect that, unless the Vonleh miracle happens, it won't be addressed until 2014, where there's quite a bit of local talent available. We're apparently out of the running for Abdul-Malik Abu, but Donahue & Co. have gotten in early on Jacquil Taylor and Matt Cimino, and Alec Brennan is still out there - and that's only New England. I don't see any realistic possibility of recruiting serious interior help in 2013, although I can't guarantee that they won't panic and grab someone marginal (but I really hope not).

[eepstein0]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

I'm glad that you feel better about Owens; I think he'll help a lot on the wing if we get him.

You forgot to add Van Nest to Odio/Caudill, but even cut three ways interior depth looks like a big problem this season. I suspect that, unless the Vonleh miracle happens, it won't be addressed until 2014, where there's quite a bit of local talent available. We're apparently out of the running for Abdul-Malik Abu, but Donahue & Co. have gotten in early on Jacquil Taylor and Matt Cimino, and Alec Brennan is still out there - and that's only New England. I don't see any realistic possibility of recruiting serious interior help in 2013, although I can't guarantee that they won't panic and grab someone marginal (but I really hope not).

I'd take a 5th year senior for 2013. We need something. Van Nest should provide the depth this season. I have high hopes for him.

[apbc12]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

Take a guess





HJSPOST

[RedBaron67]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

I'm glad that you feel better about Owens; I think he'll help a lot on the wing if we get him.

You forgot to add Van Nest to Odio/Caudill, but even cut three ways interior depth looks like a big problem this season. I suspect that, unless the Vonleh miracle happens, it won't be addressed until 2014, where there's quite a bit of local talent available. We're apparently out of the running for Abdul-Malik Abu, but Donahue & Co. have gotten in early on Jacquil Taylor and Matt Cimino, and Alec Brennan is still out there - and that's only New England. I don't see any realistic possibility of recruiting serious interior help in 2013, although I can't guarantee that they won't panic and grab someone marginal (but I really hope not).

I'd take a 5th year senior for 2013. We need something. Van Nest should provide the depth this season. I have high hopes for him.

It would be OK to find another 5th year senior for 2013, but there aren't very many of them; finding Van Nest just across the river was an unusual stroke of luck. Van Nest could be helpful, maybe even very helpful, this year, but it's hard to place any reliance on him because (1) he has such a disastrous history of injuries, and (2) because of all the injuries he's a remarkably unknown quantity for a 5th year player.

[claver2010]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

Take a guess





HJSPOST

Perfect, thanks. Confirmed my thoughts as I haven't seen code words like "high basketball IQ" & "hard worker" but more "athleticism"

[Cadillac90]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

Agreed. Are they really done recruiting if they can get Owens? Don't they seriously need a 4 or 5 for the 2013 class? If not, you are basically stuck with only 3 interior players for the next couple years. If they get a 4 or 5 for the 2014 class, then that guy will only have the benefit of playing with the other bigs for a season. Seems a bit risky to me unless Donahue goes the Juco route, which I doubt.

[eagle9903]

Haven't been following but if this kid, will epstein be:
A) Content
2) Miserable

He's not Plan A but anytime we can land someone with his athleticism we should. Fits a need at SF and does things this team cant't with defense/rebounding. I also trust this staff's ability to develop skill. Seton Hall offer and WVU, Miami and LSU interest tells me he can play.

It doesn't change the fact that we still need an interior player. Counting on Odio/Caudill is a disaster.

I'm glad that you feel better about Owens; I think he'll help a lot on the wing if we get him.

You forgot to add Van Nest to Odio/Caudill, but even cut three ways interior depth looks like a big problem this season. I suspect that, unless the Vonleh miracle happens, it won't be addressed until 2014, where there's quite a bit of local talent available. We're apparently out of the running for Abdul-Malik Abu, but Donahue & Co. have gotten in early on Jacquil Taylor and Matt Cimino, and Alec Brennan is still out there - and that's only New England. I don't see any realistic possibility of recruiting serious interior help in 2013, although I can't guarantee that they won't panic and grab someone marginal (but I really hope not).

I'd take a 5th year senior for 2013. We need something. Van Nest should provide the depth this season. I have high hopes for him.

It would be OK to find another 5th year senior for 2013, but there aren't very many of them; finding Van Nest just across the river was an unusual stroke of luck. Van Nest could be helpful, maybe even very helpful, this year, but it's hard to place any reliance on him because (1) he has such a disastrous history of injuries, and (2) because of all the injuries he's a remarkably unknown quantity for a 5th year player.

Front court depth will very likely be a problem this year in 3-4 games in which Clifford or Anderson gets in foul trouble. Otherwise I see the amount of minutes to be split between Van Nest, Caudill and Odio to be somewhat minimal. My impression of Caudill is that he is serviceable when he plays, he just can't be more than like a 7-10 non consecutive minute guy unless he changes his stamina somehow. If Anderson or Clifford gets hurt for any length of time the season is pretty clearly not going to go well.

[eepstein0]

Caudill has potential but he's not serviceable. His lack of foot speed and ups are going to hamper him until he fixes his body.

[BCEaglesFan]

BC is out on Noah Vonleh. They aren't in his top 6.

Maybe the Owens offer was a sign of them giving up and moving on.

[eagle9903]

BC is out on Noah Vonleh. They aren't in his top 6.

Maybe the Owens offer was a sign of them giving up and moving on.

That blows. I now await the gnashing of the teeth that makes it seem worse than it is.

[BCEaglesFan]

Class of 2013 small forward Garland Owens is only two months into his post-prep year at Massanutten Military Academy (VA), but after having a great summer with Mid Atlantic Select (MD) and receiving offers from ACC, Big East and Conference USA schools, he decided to end his recruitment and plans to commit Sunday.

“I just narrowed it down to Boston College, Seton Hall and UTEP,” Owens told NRS. “I’ve built a great relationship with each coach and we just continue to build great relationships making me comfortable with those programs. The way they do things and their offense is why I narrowed it down to those three.”

Among his three finalists, the Magruder High School (MD) graduate said that Boston College has been recruiting him the hardest and has the coaching staff that he has built the best relationship. Both facts are reasons he is so high on the Eagles.

“Boston College, it’s the relationship I’ve built with [head] coach [Steve] Donahue and the whole coaching staff, they really make me feel like I’m a part of a family,” Owens said. “They’ve gone through the process with me and came down to see me a few times. Their offense is the same offense I ran in high school except for a few tweaks. Overall, it’s a great situation. I visited Boston College last week and I loved it.”

The 6’5, 205-pound wing has also built a strong relationship with the Seton Hall coaches. The fact that Owens’ dad is friends with an assistant who founded a Washington, D.C. AAU program doesn’t hurt either.

“With Seton Hall, I’ve built a great relationship with [assistant] coach [Chris] Pompey, he’s really good friends with my dad and he’s from the area so they have a great coaching staff,” Owens added. “The program is on the rise and it’s a great situation.”

The last school on his list, UTEP, made the cut but won’t receive an official visit like Boston College has and Seton Hall will. “For UTEP, they have a lot of NBA experience on the coaching staff so that would help me better myself to know what I need to do to get to the next level and have a great college career,” Owens said. “I also like their offense.”

The playing styles of each of his three finalists are significant reasons the Maryland native picked these three schools while entertaining offers from a host of other programs too.

“I feel like all three schools fit me well,” he added. “All three of them are up-tempo and in that I can use my athleticism to my advantage. I feel like I can go into all three of the offenses and be successful. Now that I’m playing more of a guard position, I can come off screens and use my athleticism to get up and down the floor.”

Outside of playing style, Owens says academics, comfort level and his family’s thoughts will help him decide which school is right for him.

“We’re just going to evaluate each school and go with who I’ve built the best relationship with, [who] I feel more comfortable with and what situation is best for me and my family,” he said. “Just a program where I can come in and contribute right away, get a good education and try to do what I can to get to the next level.”

Although he is close to deciding, Owens still has one last official visit to take. He’ll make the trip out to Seton Hall Friday and return Saturday night.

“It’s going to be a decision I”m going to make Sunday morning and I’m going to announce it Sunday afternoon at Magruder,” Owens added. “I’m going to visit Seton Hall this weekend and then decide Sunday and talk it over with my family.”