Ahron Ulis now a Rivals 4 star

[Ballhawk1221]

He shot up 32 spots in the updated rankings to #109 nationally and is now a 4-star recruit.

Anybody know what these new rankings are based on, since nobody is playing ball right now?

 

[HawkRugged17]

He shot up 32 spots in the updated rankings to #109 nationally and is now a 4-star recruit.

Anybody know what these new rankings are based on, since nobody is playing ball right now?

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[hawksense]

I think they're Ahron on the side of caution.

 

[BBHawk]

I think they're Ahron on the side of caution.

Nice try!

 

[unoHawkeye]

He made the biggest jump of anybody in the top 150. Very cool

 

[HemiHawk]

Yikes, didn't realize the Murray twins are now three star. Need to visit the bball board more often.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Maybe with the extra time they're going back and doing a more in-depth review of game tape.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

Maybe with the extra time they're going back and doing a more in-depth review of game tape.

This. Know a guy that scouts/evaluates football for another service. Talking to him last week about other business. He said a lot of scouts/evaluators are HS coaches and teachers that have very little to do but watch hours of video.

Now that big of a jump for Ahron is great! At least one service has rated our three 20-21 point guards as 4*s. (Joe T and Jordan on ESPN 4*/Top 120).

Good for the Murray boys. They went from no recruiting ranking all the way to 3*. This class is looking better every day.

 

[mazda1]

Never in my lifetime did I expect to see a runner-up Indiana Mr. basketball and a 4 star guard both expected to see limited time as freshman for the Hawks. Add in a starter from the prior year also expected to come off the bench and the mind is officially blown.

I expect the practices to be a war at the guard spots.

 

[CleteyColgate]

He shot up 32 spots in the updated rankings to #109 nationally and is now a 4-star recruit.

Anybody know what these new rankings are based on, since nobody is playing ball right now?

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Tells you a lot about how this works

 

[eyesofhawk]

Ahron will have a very solid career at Iowa. Baller type. Happy to have him as a Hawk

 

[Hawk94Mn]

Ahron might be the piece that puts us over the edge next year, if you want to be a complete team you will need a competent bench, with him, JT, Patrick, Keegan and Nunge, it could be a pretty deadly group. The more I think about this team the deadlier their image becomes. Everyone who plays will have a 3 point shot. Not only that, you have 3 generational talents in Garza, Joe W and Bohannon, all upperclassmen. You have two of the coaches sons on the team who are extensions of his will on the court (one will always be on the floor, most likely) and a supporting cast that would challenge most big ten starting lineups in Frederick Nunge, Uhlis and Touissant. Fran has built his masterpiece, let’s see how it turns out

what is the ceiling for this team?

 

[Fran-Con-2]

He shot up 32 spots in the updated rankings to #109 nationally and is now a 4-star recruit.

Anybody know what these new rankings are based on, since nobody is playing ball right now?

View embedded media

What's also interesting is how Iowa's team ranking has solidified. They now sit at a respectable, albeit not spectacular, 41 nationally.

All I heard from out west since last year was how terrible our recruiting class was. Funny thing is, we're only 5 spots behind ISU in the final rankings. Interesting how things work out. . .

 

[Ronman]

Just a casual observation....There are five players on that list from Minnesota, none of whom have chosen to sign on with the Yellow Rodents. Good job, Ricky!

 

[CleteyColgate]

What's also interesting is how Iowa's team ranking has solidified. They now sit at a respectable, albeit not spectacular, 41 nationally.

All I heard from out west since last year was how terrible our recruiting class was. Funny thing is, we're only 5 spots behind ISU in the final rankings. Interesting how things work out. . .

That's also 7th in the Big 10; we want to finish higher, but that's dancing range year in and year out in the conference.

 

[pocha444444]

Ahron might be the piece that puts us over the edge next year, if you want to be a complete team you will need a competent bench, with him, JT, Patrick, Keegan and Nunge, it could be a pretty deadly group. The more I think about this team the deadlier their image becomes. Everyone who plays will have a 3 point shot. Not only that, you have 3 generational talents in Garza, Joe W and Bohannon, all upperclassmen. You have two of the coaches sons on the team who are extensions of his will on the court (one will always be on the floor, most likely) and a supporting cast that would challenge most big ten starting lineups in Frederick Nunge, Uhlis and Touissant. Fran has built his masterpiece, let’s see how it turns out

what is the ceiling for this team?

Is Keegan supposed to be the better of the two Murray's? I don't know anything about them.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Keegan is a bit taller and longer. And at this point is a slightly better shooter. Both have potential to be nice all-around players. Happy to have them both as Hawks

 

[LaQuintaHawkeye]

What's also interesting is how Iowa's team ranking has solidified. They now sit at a respectable, albeit not spectacular, 41 nationally.

All I heard from out west since last year was how terrible our recruiting class was. Funny thing is, we're only 5 spots behind ISU in the final rankings. Interesting how things work out. . .

Not sure how they stay ahead of us after the updated rankings. We have a 4-star and 4 3-stars, while they have a 4-star and 3 3-stars.

Either way, screw them ...we win.

 

[hawk263344]

Ahron might be the piece that puts us over the edge next year, if you want to be a complete team you will need a competent bench, with him, JT, Patrick, Keegan and Nunge, it could be a pretty deadly group. The more I think about this team the deadlier their image becomes. Everyone who plays will have a 3 point shot. Not only that, you have 3 generational talents in Garza, Joe W and Bohannon, all upperclassmen. You have two of the coaches sons on the team who are extensions of his will on the court (one will always be on the floor, most likely) and a supporting cast that would challenge most big ten starting lineups in Frederick Nunge, Uhlis and Touissant. Fran has built his masterpiece, let’s see how it turns out

what is the ceiling for this team?

The Ceiling is a National Championship. It seriously is. Just ask Vegas. Not saying I'd put my money on it. Just saying that is the ceiling.

 

[Kurt Warner]

I just hope and pray we get to see them play this year, and with a crowd there

 

[ObeseMuffins]

A 4 star recruit ain't redshirting..

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

A 4 star recruit ain't redshirting..

Its going to be a hard call for Ahron and Tony. Just look at what's ahead of them on the roster. They're not taking minutes from Jordan, CJ, Joe T and Connor in any kind of a close game. That's not realistic and probably not a fair expectation. Even if Ahron is just competing at point guard he has to first jump Joe T, the best defensive point Iowa's had in more than a generation, with a proven ability to play well against Big Ten competition. Then he has to jump a three year starter who's already in the career top 5 in every point guard category at Iowa and is the best/most prolific three point scorer in school history-with a shot at the most prolific three ball scorer in Big Ten history.

Plus the C Mac minutes as primary ball handler.

So do you trade a year of eligibility for 80 - 100 minutes of garbage time in blow outs? Some kids will some kids won't. Difficult decision when you're 18 years old and don't realize that one extra season might be more meaningful if you're starting at 23 rather than watching from the bench at 18-19.

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

Ahron will have a very solid career at Iowa. Baller type. Happy to have him as a Hawk

Ahron is now a 4 star recruit...…..any Iowa fan who isn't happy with Ahron Ulis should move to ames.

I'm kind of thinking that Ahron Ullis is like Jordan Bohannon. He's the youngest in the family and he's the BEST.

 

[combes]

A 4 star recruit ain't redshirting..

Wisconsin once redshirted a 5 star big. No injury. Just needed strength.

 

[CleteyColgate]

A 4 star recruit ain't redshirting..

I prefer Fran to make that call with the player rather than Rivals.com. No offense to the latter, but the team will make that decision.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

I prefer Fran to make that call with the player rather than Rivals.com. No offense to the latter, but the team will make that decision.

Wisconsin once redshirted a 5 star big. No injury. Just needed strength.

Sure, but Wisconsin has established themselves as an elite program this century. I'm also trying to get into the psyche of 18 year old ball players nowadays. Sure it's one thing to come in as a 3 star but a 4 star is different. Every player comes in knowing where they were ranked and the perceptions that follow. I hope this young man has a strong inner circle to keep him grounded if the redshirt is the route. We all want a total team buy-in, but the reality is that players are transferring at a record pace.

 

[Ronman]

So, has the skill level that Ullis brings to the Hawks automatically improved since he was upgraded?

 

[unoHawkeye]

Sure, but Wisconsin has established themselves as an elite program this century. I'm also trying to get into the psyche of 18 year old ball players nowadays. Sure it's one thing to come in as a 3 star but a 4 star is different. Every player comes in knowing where they were ranked and the perceptions that follow. I hope this young man has a strong inner circle to keep him grounded if the redshirt is the route. We all want a total team buy-in, but the reality is that players are transferring at a record pace.

Keep in mind that Iowa was by far Ulis’ best reported offer. 4* or otherwise, I bet he’d be willing to sit if needed. However, I wouldn’t mind burning a year on a couple of these freshmen for game experience, even if it’s just mop up work or when players get in foul trouble. Hawks are likely going to have a lot of talent to replace after next season

 

[ObeseMuffins]

So, has the skill level that Ullis brings to the Hawks automatically improved since he was upgraded?

No, but the perception of where he stands in the pecking order has changed.

 

[Ronman]

Perception is always trumped by actual court performance.

And don't get me wrong, I'm excited to see what Ahron brings to the table. I just saying that stars after a kid's name don't always tell the whole story.

 

[Slim45]

If i recall correctly, I believe i read a quote from Fran a few years back saying that he lets the players make the decision on if they want to redshirt. Now obviously he gives them advice and suggestions but sounded like the final decision was the players. I think it may have been in reference to Nunge’s redshirt after his frosh yr, not positive tho

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

If i recall correctly, I believe i read a quote from Fran a few years back saying that he lets the players make the decision on if they want to redshirt. Now obviously he gives them advice and suggestions but sounded like the final decision was the players. I think it may have been in reference to Nunge’s redshirt after his frosh yr, not positive tho

Right now, Iowa has a lot of experience & depth returning at guard.
That is going to be a MAJOR factor into whether A Ulis redshirts or not.

 

[CaboKP]

Its going to be a hard call for Ahron and Tony. Just look at what's ahead of them on the roster. They're not taking minutes from Jordan, CJ, Joe T and Connor in any kind of a close game. That's not realistic and probably not a fair expectation. Even if Ahron is just competing at point guard he has to first jump Joe T, the best defensive point Iowa's had in more than a generation, with a proven ability to play well against Big Ten competition. Then he has to jump a three year starter who's already in the career top 5 in every point guard category at Iowa and is the best/most prolific three point scorer in school history-with a shot at the most prolific three ball scorer in Big Ten history.

Plus the C Mac minutes as primary ball handler.

So do you trade a year of eligibility for 80 - 100 minutes of garbage time in blow outs? Some kids will some kids won't. Difficult decision when you're 18 years old and don't realize that one extra season might be more meaningful if you're starting at 23 rather than watching from the bench at 18-19.

With the buzz around the program and the potential to make a run in the tournament, would you rather say you're red-shirting or playing?
If the kid truly thinks a sweet 16 or better is possible, then I bet they want to play. That would be tons of fun, regardless if you don't get much time. The key would be to getting at least some time in several games, not just 5-7 min in blowout games.
A year is a big investment of time for a college aged kid, perspective is everything.

 

[BBHawk]

Sure, but Wisconsin has established themselves as an elite program this century. I'm also trying to get into the psyche of 18 year old ball players nowadays. Sure it's one thing to come in as a 3 star but a 4 star is different. Every player comes in knowing where they were ranked and the perceptions that follow. I hope this young man has a strong inner circle to keep him grounded if the redshirt is the route. We all want a total team buy-in, but the reality is that players are transferring at a record pace.

Ulis comes in behind Joe T (4*) and Jobo (4*) so his new ranking doesn't mean he will pass those 2. Practice will help, but Joe T and JoBo are both working very hard, too, and understand Iowa's "system" so they are really light years ahead of Ulis right now. I am hoping that Ulis gets some minutes this year so that he can step into playing more minutes when JoBo is gone. He'll be needed.

 

[CleteyColgate]

Sure, but Wisconsin has established themselves as an elite program this century. I'm also trying to get into the psyche of 18 year old ball players nowadays. Sure it's one thing to come in as a 3 star but a 4 star is different. Every player comes in knowing where they were ranked and the perceptions that follow. I hope this young man has a strong inner circle to keep him grounded if the redshirt is the route. We all want a total team buy-in, but the reality is that players are transferring at a record pace.

Fran won't redshirt a player unless the player buys into that

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Solid points, everyone. Let us all appreciate we're arguing over whether or not a top-100 recruit should redshirt because we have too much depth at the guard position!

 

[perryhawk]

Solid points, everyone. Let us all appreciate we're arguing over whether or not a top-100 recruit should redshirt because we have too much depth at the guard position!

Very very well said! It’s great to be a Hawkeye!

 

[DanHawkPella]

Ulis is definitely good enough to play, but PG minutes are pretty full (as is SG) so I think he redshirts unless there is an injury. Even if he doesn't redshirt you are looking at 3-5 mpg. A lot of minutes the year after that though. May be able to play SG more than Joe T but really those two will both get most of their minutes at PG and that position looks good for a long time.

Perkins has the most athleticism of the group but still needs to work on skill to be effective on offense at the Big 10 level, so with CJ and Bohannon I think he'll redshirt as well. Can help on defense but kind of raw on offense yet like Joe T was this year. Can shoot the 3 but not sure as consistently as the Murray's and at 6'4" is likely a pure SG role wise.

I compare Keegan to Patrick or Uthoff - long and skilled. Good strength and weight this last year may be one advantage he has over both. Flexible enough to play SG/SF/PF but he's a SF in my book. He and Patrick will hold that position down for awhile but flex to others during the game.

Kris is more like Baer - not as long as Keegan but very active and maybe doesn't do one thing at an elite level but does a lot of things very well (shoot, rebound, block shots, run the court, defense, etc). A SF/PF type like Baer.

Our PG/SG/SF spots look good for quite awhile. Need to work on those bigs in the future classes to ensure our front court holds up as I'm a bit worried about Ogundele - lots of raw skill but putting it altogether and getting in shape a big question to me.

 

[MepoDawg#]

Sure, but Wisconsin has established themselves as an elite program this century. I'm also trying to get into the psyche of 18 year old ball players nowadays. Sure it's one thing to come in as a 3 star but a 4 star is different. Every player comes in knowing where they were ranked and the perceptions that follow. I hope this young man has a strong inner circle to keep him grounded if the redshirt is the route. We all want a total team buy-in, but the reality is that players are transferring at a record pace.

No, to your comment bold and underlined. Very good program, but not elite.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

One of the Ks, probably the slightly larger one, is going to get a chance to play substantial minutes. P Mac does not look physically able to defend the larger/stronger 4s. Both the Ks are thicker than P Mac, and they're all the same age. Jack struggled guarding outside the lane before the major knee injury.

Dan of Pella is spot on about Ogu. There isn't a ton of video and really no way to know what he can do.