Damion Lee Names his Finalists

[mr.hockey4242]

Per Jeff Goodman: Damion Lee, arguably most coveted transfer in country, told ESPN has narrowed list to Arizona, Gonzaga, Louisville, Marquette, Maryland.

I still think he is basically a Maryland lock being from there, having ties to Dixon, the fact that he would fill Wells role and that they would be the clear cut #1 team in the country.

That said, while this may be the first recruiting battle Wojo loses. I am thrilled he found himself narrowed down in this company. At least 80 teams had interest.

I am confident that if for some reason he spurns Maryland that MU has a good shot. They are the one that is not like the others.

He's the crown jewel of transfer. Man, Maryland would be awesome with this guy(they are already going to be great).

 

[dcZONAfan]

Per Jeff Goodman: Damion Lee, arguably most coveted transfer in country, told ESPN has narrowed list to Arizona, Gonzaga, Louisville, Marquette, Maryland.

I still think he is basically a Maryland lock being from there, having ties to Dixon, the fact that he would fill Wells role and that they would be the clear cut #1 team in the country.

That said, while this may be the first recruiting battle Wojo loses. I am thrilled he found himself narrowed down in this company. At least 80 teams had interest.

I am confident that if for some reason he spurns Maryland that MU has a good shot. They are the one that is not like the others.

He's the crown jewel of transfer. Man, Maryland would be awesome with this guy(they are already going to be great).

There is only one way any of this happens, and it's if Stanley Johnson (as unlikely as it is) comes back. You're gonna have to trust me on this one. He's Arizona-bound.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

There is only one way any of this happens, and it's if Stanley Johnson (as unlikely as it is) comes back. You're gonna have to trust me on this one. He's Arizona-bound.

Zona is one of the only 2 visits he's set so far. But IDK why he would spurn the hometown team that is better equipped for next year when they also can offer him the same opening.

We'll see though.

 

[dcZONAfan]

Zona is one of the only 2 visits he's set so far. But IDK why he would spurn the hometown team that is better equipped for next year when they also can offer him the same opening.

We'll see though.

I think better equipped is maybe an overstatement. When all is said and done, we are going to be really fucking good next year. I'll take a senior C who is literally the most important piece of our defense over a OND frosh (because let's be serious, Diamond Stone is NO Jahlil Okafor and will not make anywhere near the same type of impact).

I'll take Ryan Anderson over their PF. Lee would play SF and we would have a 5 star frosh backing him up. We have Trier, York and the national JUCO player of the year (coming off of a redshirt) at SG, and we have a savvy, pass first PG who showed well during his 10 mpg this year.

MD might be better if they got Lee, but I think Arizona's better with him and from what is being reported he is coming to Tucson.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Yeah Lee is Arizona bound from what I've heard. Would be a huge gain… all of the sudden with Zeus returning and us potentially landing Lee along with our top 3 recruiting class, and two redshirt transfers (Allen and Anderson), we are starting to look like a top 5 team again somehow.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Also heard we're the favorites to land him. If we get Lee not sure if that changes things.


"San Francisco transfer Mark Tollefsen tells ESPN he will visit Arizona next weekend. • 14.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg • 6-9 four • Eligible immediately"

 

[Monte Carlo Wildcat]

So are we recruiting this guy to play the 3 position? If so, can you imagine if Stanley stays as well? Suddenly, we're Kentucky deep in rotation. These are good problems to have!

 

[Arizona_Sting]

So are we recruiting this guy to play the 3 position? If so, can you imagine if Stanley stays as well? Suddenly, we're Kentucky deep in rotation. These are good problems to have!

If Stanley returns and we get Lee then we are likely preseason #1 in the polls.

I still don't think Stanley stays though, despite the reports that he really wants to. I think he does, but when you're a lock to go top 10 it's tough to pass up on. Marcus Smart is the only one (recently) I can think of that didn't get his stock hurt too much the following year.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

If Stanley returns and we get Lee then we are likely preseason #1 in the polls.

I still don't think Stanley stays though, despite the reports that he really wants to. I think he does, but when you're a lock to go top 10 it's tough to pass up on. Marcus Smart is the only one (recently) I can think of that didn't get his stock hurt too much the following year.

Stanley wouldn't hurt his stock it's the whole play it safe from injury and the fact that he's clearly ready so get a head start on developing himself as a big time NBA player.

But yeah if he stayed that would be nuts.

 

[dcZONAfan]

If Stanley returns and we get Lee then we are likely preseason #1 in the polls.

I still don't think Stanley stays though, despite the reports that he really wants to. I think he does, but when you're a lock to go top 10 it's tough to pass up on. Marcus Smart is the only one (recently) I can think of that didn't get his stock hurt too much the following year.

There's no way Lee is coming here if Stanley decides to stay. But we very well might be preseason number 1 if Stanley stays. It's too good to be true, though. He's gone. Lee is a great stopgap until Ray is ready to take over as a sophomore.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

I think better equipped is maybe an overstatement. When all is said and done, we are going to be really fucking good next year. I'll take a senior C who is literally the most important piece of our defense over a OND frosh (because let's be serious, Diamond Stone is NO Jahlil Okafor and will not make anywhere near the same type of impact).

I'll take Ryan Anderson over their PF. Lee would play SF and we would have a 5 star frosh backing him up. We have Trier, York and the national JUCO player of the year (coming off of a redshirt) at SG, and we have a savvy, pass first PG who showed well during his 10 mpg this year.

MD might be better if they got Lee, but I think Arizona's better with him and from what is being reported he is coming to Tucson.

Umm...A starting 5 of Stone, Carter, Layman, Lee and Trimble isn't really going to be topped. That is insane size, an elite PG and 3 shooters. Then there is Nickens as a shooter off the bench and Dodd as well.

There is a reason they are already preseason top 5 before Lee. That team would be crazy!!

 

[dcZONAfan]

Stanley wouldn't hurt his stock it's the whole play it safe from injury and the fact that he's clearly ready so get a head start on developing himself as a big time NBA player.

But yeah if he stayed that would be nuts.

I think it's much less risky in basketball, rarely do career ending injuries happen (obviously an ACL would suck but that happens pretty infrequently as well). He is ready, though, so you're right it will be insane if he stays to try and win a championship.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

I think it's much less risky in basketball, rarely do career ending injuries happen (obviously an ACL would suck but that happens pretty infrequently as well). He is ready, though, so you're right it will be insane if he stays to try and win a championship.

Yeah I'm not saying I agree with the mindset just saying that typically is the mindset.

I think when you are basically a top 5 lock(and possibly higher) there just isn't anything that can truly sway you to stay. I'd love to see it though and maybe he'd start a bit of a trend. Unlike idiots like Cliff Alexader.

 

[dcZONAfan]

Umm...A starting 5 of Stone, Carter, Layman, Lee and Trimble isn't really going to be topped. That is insane size, an elite PG and 3 shooters. Then there is Nickens as a shooter off the bench and Dodd as well.

There is a reason they are already preseason top 5 before Lee. That team would be crazy!!

Umm...A starting 5 of Stone, Carter, Layman, Lee and Trimble isn't really going to be topped. That is insane size, an elite PG and 3 shooters. Then there is Nickens as a shooter off the bench and Dodd as well.

There is a reason they are already preseason top 5 before Lee. That team would be crazy!!

I know, that's why I said they might be better if they had Lee, but I think with Lee we are better. And the only way we don't have Lee is if Stanley stays, and well that means we'd be even better...all I will say is that with every fiber of my being I do not trust Layman to get it done when it comes down to crunch time. But Melo is an absolute stud, no denying that.

 

[ericd7633]

These would be the projected line ups assuming Johnson goes pro:

For Arizona:

PG: Jackson Cartwright
SG: Gabe York
SF: Trier or Ray Smith
PF: Ryan Anderson
C: Zeus

Zona fans if that isn't correct please change.

For Maryland:

PG: Melo
SG: Dion Wiley
SF: Jake Layman
PF: Robert Carter
C: Diamond Stone

Without Lee in the equation, I'd give Maryland the edge. Not to mention they will have Dodd, Chekovsky(sp) and Nickens coming off the bench, and all of them played good minutes last year.

I know Anderson is a good transfer for Zona but he never impressed me really. Id take the Ga. Tech transfer Carter over him.

Honestly I'd take MD's PG, SF and PF over Zona's. That would change IF Zona gets Rabb. He's a difference maker for sure. But we won't know til tonight. York is basically a spot up shooter, and Zeus, while good defensively, doesn't offer much in terms of offense. Wiley has more upside than York does IMO. And Trier has more upside than all of them. I'd say MD has more known commodities than Zona.

With all said both will be very good next year. Lee could swing the odds in favor of the team he picks. I've watched a lot of Drexel's games over the past 4 years. Lee is fantastic. He was severely overlooked coming out of high school. His natural position would be SG. But could play SF if asked, but would struggle with bigger SF's. On the high level I think he could average about 12 ppg or so. Great luxury to have for either team.

 

[PhightinIrish]

Zona will be stacked if they land Lee and Ivan Rabb chooses them over Cal tonight. Even without Stanley coming back you got:

Guards- PArker Jackson Cartwright, Gabe York, Elliot Pitts, Justin Simon (#22 Recurit), Alonzo Trier ( #13 recruit), Kadeem Allen
Forwards- Ray Smith (#12 recruit), Ryan Anderson, Lee( if he comes), Ivan Rabb( if he commits)
Centers- Kaleb Zeus, Dusan Ristic, Chance Comanche (#33 recruit)

 

[BearDownUA]

If Rabb chooses Cal (expected) and Stanley declares (99% decided IMO), AZ will certainly land Tollefson or Lee. i'd be very happy with either, but I would LOOOOVE Lee to suit up for us next year.

I trust the sources I've heard it from, and heard AZ might be the front runner, but if I'm Lee, that situation in MD is perfect too, tough choice

 

[Arizona_Sting]

These would be the projected line ups assuming Johnson goes pro:

For Arizona:

PG: Jackson Cartwright
SG: Gabe York
SF: Trier or Ray Smith
PF: Ryan Anderson
C: Zeus

Zona fans if that isn't correct please change.

For Maryland:

PG: Melo
SG: Dion Wiley
SF: Jake Layman
PF: Robert Carter
C: Diamond Stone

Without Lee in the equation, I'd give Maryland the edge. Not to mention they will have Dodd, Chekovsky(sp) and Nickens coming off the bench, and all of them played good minutes last year.

I know Anderson is a good transfer for Zona but he never impressed me really. Id take the Ga. Tech transfer Carter over him.

Honestly I'd take MD's PG, SF and PF over Zona's. That would change IF Zona gets Rabb. He's a difference maker for sure. But we won't know til tonight. York is basically a spot up shooter, and Zeus, while good defensively, doesn't offer much in terms of offense. Wiley has more upside than York does IMO. And Trier has more upside than all of them. I'd say MD has more known commodities than Zona.

With all said both will be very good next year. Lee could swing the odds in favor of the team he picks. I've watched a lot of Drexel's games over the past 4 years. Lee is fantastic. He was severely overlooked coming out of high school. His natural position would be SG. But could play SF if asked, but would struggle with bigger SF's. On the high level I think he could average about 12 ppg or so. Great luxury to have for either team.

You nailed it for the most part, but left out one very, very key player for us next year. Kadeem Allen.

He was rated the top juco transfer last year and he redshirted last year and got to practice with the team and I've been hearing rave reviews about him. McConnell, Ashley, Rondae, the coaching staff, etc. said he has been one of the best players in practice and they use him on the scouting team as the opponents best player since he's very tough to guard.

Heard he basically a lock to start, not sure where because everything is fluid in terms of the roster (SJ, Rabb, Lee, Tollefson, etc.) but either way he's a huge part of our team next year. I just hope he lives up to the hype he's been getting. Has 2 years left of eligibility.

 

[Arizona_Sting]

Oh, and York may be our best shooter overall, but he is not just a spot up shooter. He showed flashes of what he could do last year on the drive, he's really athletic. Won a few dunk contests in HS, think he could take the next step next year with more opportunities to score.

Same with Zeus, both of them have been underutilized…. on most teams they'd put up big numbers, but the last 2-3 years they've been an afterthought in terms of offensive production with some of the guys we've had here.

 

[mr.hockey4242]

If Rabb chooses Cal (expected) and Stanley declares (99% decided IMO), AZ will certainly land Tollefson or Lee. i'd be very happy with either, but I would LOOOOVE Lee to suit up for us next year.

I trust the sources I've heard it from, and heard AZ might be the front runner, but if I'm Lee, that situation in MD is perfect too, tough choice

The crazy thing about this is that Lee seems so tight lipped on most of it so there are so many "sources" I am hearing about with different views. Lee def did his homework on the teams as he unlike most recruits gave in depth reasons for each.

I keep saying Maryland is the one that makes the most amount of sense but outside of Gonzaga they are the one I am getting the least traction on.

I've seen a lot of stuff that says UL is actually in really high standing.

The sources I trust through Marquette think we absolutely are high in the mix(not saying favorites or anything of that stretch) and they have UL in the mix big time as well.

Some other out East folks I've been reading up on have him a heavy MU lean

Then I've seen more Zona stuff outside just what you Zona guys are saying.

Honestly only Gonzaga would surprise me at this point. I am just going to wait for hopefully Mark Miller to make a crystal ball prediction. He's back dead on with all things Marquette recruiting so if he predicts Lee somewhere thats what Im gonna go with lol