Pat McCaffery top 50 now

[cocoem]

Rankings of course fluctuate over the course of a high school kids career. Biggest change I've noticed, most explainable, is pundits don't like not seeing players. Injuries and missing AAU games can lose ground big time. For example Pemsl was a Rivals top 150 guy and pushing 4*, getting close, when he was hurt and eventually, out of the top 150 he went.

Connor dropped. I think it had to do with playing baseball and AAU basketball at the same time.

I don't know if I'd predict Wieskamp breaking into the top 20 in any service. I think last I look he was #43? Probably wrong. Thing is both he and Patrick have been in AAU a long time and are already well known.

The more likely thing is they get hurt and drop a lot, or another possibility is new "finds" take place and they get bumped a bit.

Doesn't matter, they are fine players and will be great Hawkeyes.

95% of all AAU basketball is garbage. People wonder why these kids can not play defense.....look no further. What is sad is that kids look to AAU coaches as their basketball mentor...If I only had to play games and score the ball in HS I would of loved my HS coach more. There are some really good ones and I think Iowa should be blessed to have the Barnstormers close by. But entertain yourself for an afternoon and travel to an event. Overall....TERRIBLE basketball by players that are told all the wrong things. For sites to properly rate these kids they need to see them in a basketball game that actually mimics basketball.

 

[C/Seahawk]

Honestly, why would they give a $hit whats said on the internet?

Its beyond irrelevant.

It happens everywhere and it doesnt affect ANYTHING.

Ferentz kids got plenty if criticism, didnt matter one bit.

yeah, I think you are oversimplifying this by a wide margin. Fact is, kids playing for their dad at any level can face considerable scrutiny, criticism, cries of favoritism and at times unfair harassment.

Plus, its not just about what is said on the internet, the players peers can be just as awful as internet trolls. Another poster referenced the Cullen Neal situation and until this year, things were pretty brutal for Alford and his son Bryce. Its not easy to play D1 basketball for your father, I think its fair to say there are more horror stories that success stories, at least that is my perception.

I hope it works out for the McCaffery family. One thing in their favor is I suspect the kids have thicker skin than most as a result of their experiences to date.

 

[RocknRollface]

yeah, I think you are oversimplifying this by a wide margin. Fact is, kids playing for their dad at any level can face considerable scrutiny, criticism, cries of favoritism and at times unfair harassment.

Plus, its not just about what is said on the internet, the players peers can be just as awful as internet trolls. Another poster referenced the Cullen Neal situation and until this year, things were pretty brutal for Alford and his son Bryce. Its not easy to play D1 basketball for your father, I think its fair to say there are more horror stories that success stories, at least that is my perception.

I hope it works out for the McCaffery family. One thing in their favor is I suspect the kids have thicker skin than most as a result of their experiences to date.

I was specifically referencing a comment made about message boards, which are pretty much out of date with kids that age.

Twitter is a much different animal.

Allot of the kids that play for their dad and have problems probably wouldn't have been there otherwise and to make matters worse they dont have good players around them.

Doubt Bryc Alford plays at ucla without his dad, and notice the enormous difference when he was a role player vs the main pg. Steve put him in a role he shouldn't have had to be in.

What the McCaffrey boys have going for them is that they are suposed to be at this level and they're on a team that isn't lacking talent. They're not going to be forced into unnecessary roles.

You guys need to get a grip.

 

[hawk-i bob]

95% of all AAU basketball is garbage. People wonder why these kids can not play defense.....look no further. What is sad is that kids look to AAU coaches as their basketball mentor...If I only had to play games and score the ball in HS I would of loved my HS coach more. There are some really good ones and I think Iowa should be blessed to have the Barnstormers close by. But entertain yourself for an afternoon and travel to an event. Overall....TERRIBLE basketball by players that are told all the wrong things. For sites to properly rate these kids they need to see them in a basketball game that actually mimics basketball.

I agree with you for the most part. I know one high school coach that definitely agrees with you...feels alot of bad habits are formed...takes him a little while to get rid of them come fall practice.

There are also some really poor HS coaches as well...who dont teach defense & pretty much let their 4&5 stars do whatever they want to...I think we have seen recently of some examples.

However I do believe AAU does have merit..especially for those kids who are in a controlled high school system...AAU gives them an opportunity to get more aggressive offensively .. especially with penetration.

Yes you don't see very many AAU coaches doing an ass chewing for someone playing lazy defense.

 

[DanL53]

I feel like tossing a screwdriver into the fan belt.

A walk-on?

 

[RocknRollface]

I agree with you for the most part. I know one high school coach that definitely agrees with you...feels alot of bad habits are formed...takes him a little while to get rid of them come fall practice.

There are also some really poor HS coaches as well...who dont teach defense & pretty much let their 4&5 stars do whatever they want to...I think we have seen recently of some examples.

However I do believe AAU does have merit..especially for those kids who are in a controlled high school system...AAU gives them an opportunity to get more aggressive offensively .. especially with penetration.

Yes you don't see very many AAU coaches doing an ass chewing for someone playing lazy defense.

AUU isn't good basketball but it helps in evaluating individual players for sure.

Its like watching the best players in highschool play pickup games against each other. You can still tell allot.

 

[VicHawkeye]

One edge Iowa can have in basketball is rabid and loyal fan support. If all of us live that then we will have no worries about losing Pat.

 

[Natty Bumppo]

Having seen Connor and Patrick play in the state tournament, my (small sample) impressions are that Connor at this point is a smoother and somewhat better player, however, Patrick looks to have more upside. Connor plays maybe a bit like former Hawkeye Bobby Hansen. Patrick reminds me a bit of former Hawkeye Matt Bullard. Right now he is really skinny, but when he gains some strength he could possibly be a great player, perhaps something like Justin Jackson at North Carolina.

Another thing that I noticed, and don't know the impact of this (if any), but Connor looks serious or almost a bit mad when on the court. Patrick is frequently smiling and looks like he is having a blast while on the court.

 

[Loras Hawkeye]

My comment on saying he will be top 20 is solely a personal prediction. I am a nerd who likes to read a lot of articles and opinions of players. My days of playing college football are long gone, but the recruiting has always been a passion of mine. And a lot of articles I have read about JW, says that he has been "underrated" and with the attention he has gotten, that sounded odd to me. But he has become an all around great player. He is Baer, with more athleticism. He can create his own shot, he can rebound with the bigs, he can shoot the long ball consistently. He will more than likely add another inch or two, putting him around 6'8 shooting guard/forward. His game REALLY reminds me of an young Mike Miller from Florida. Same size and drive. If he becomes half the player Mike Miller was, JW has a great shot of being very special here at Iowa (I am biased, Muscatine grad, class of '99)

 

[backinblack23]

I'm sure someone could run some statistics on this, but it feels like players who commit early don't move up much in the final rankings.

It seems like it does have an effect sometimes, especially if the recruit is a solid commit to a school in their home state or their Dads team. Seems like the analyst will then sort of quit watching them then to focus on the non-committed kids.

Is Patrick really 6'8"? I thought he was more around the 6'6" mark.

 

[lonewolf52]

No doubt. First poor game the guy had the long knives would be out. Look at the comments on Uhl or Williams or Ellingson or whoever. Hopefully most of the fan base would be supportive. And I'm not talking about criticism that is fair, but the comments about a player not being B1G caliber I'm sure will come up.

Ok now you're talking about apples and oranges. The players you named have had a long run of poor play to Merit such discussion. Additionally as coaches kids I believe that Connor and Patrick may have developed some tough skin. Having a father coach Division 1 college basketball brings with it the inherent criticism that you hear about him.

 

[lonewolf52]

I agree with you for the most part. I know one high school coach that definitely agrees with you...feels alot of bad habits are formed...takes him a little while to get rid of them come fall practice.

There are also some really poor HS coaches as well...who dont teach defense & pretty much let their 4&5 stars do whatever they want to...I think we have seen recently of some examples.

However I do believe AAU does have merit..especially for those kids who are in a controlled high school system...AAU gives them an opportunity to get more aggressive offensively .. especially with penetration.

Yes you don't see very many AAU coaches doing an ass chewing for someone playing lazy defense.

I feel part of the problem is how are society's obsession with the point per game statistic. It seems that most players were recruited are primarily judged based on the statistic. Therefore, these kids I feel that they need to concentrate on their offense rather than defense to get noticed and recruited.

 

[hawk-i bob]

Ok now you're talking about apples and oranges. The players you named have had a long run of poor play to Merit such discussion. Additionally as coaches kids I believe that Connor and Patrick may have developed some tough skin. Having a father coach Division 1 college basketball brings with it the inherent criticism that you hear about him.

and again tough skin for what? and who? .... posters on HR? ... ya I have this feeling what is said in a negative way towards the McCafferys boys will have little to zero effect on them.

I've always felt high rankings on 14,15,16 year olds is a little unfair. It raises expectations on some who have not even got their drivers license yet.

I do believe there will be that natural pressure that is always present when playing for ones' Dad...and in this case on a pretty big stage. But that also is tempered a little with the fact they will be teammates with some pretty good guys.

 

[DodgerHawki]

95% of all AAU basketball is garbage. People wonder why these kids can not play defense.....look no further. What is sad is that kids look to AAU coaches as their basketball mentor...If I only had to play games and score the ball in HS I would of loved my HS coach more. There are some really good ones and I think Iowa should be blessed to have the Barnstormers close by. But entertain yourself for an afternoon and travel to an event. Overall....TERRIBLE basketball by players that are told all the wrong things. For sites to properly rate these kids they need to see them in a basketball game that actually mimics basketball.

AAU basketball is great for what it's good at, letting college coaches evaluate how good a player is by seeing them play against other good players. I'm pretty sure that all of the Final 4 teams have players that played AAU basketball, and all of those teams played good defense. The AAU circuit is not responsible for all that ails college hoops. And AAU does benefit players by giving them exposure against good competition. The kids on the Barnstormers roster would never have the opportunity to go against the caliber of competition they are exposed to on the AAU circuit just playing Iowa high school basketball.

 

[DanL53]

My comment on saying he will be top 20 is solely a personal prediction. I am a nerd who likes to read a lot of articles and opinions of players. My days of playing college football are long gone, but the recruiting has always been a passion of mine. And a lot of articles I have read about JW, says that he has been "underrated" and with the attention he has gotten, that sounded odd to me. But he has become an all around great player. He is Baer, with more athleticism. He can create his own shot, he can rebound with the bigs, he can shoot the long ball consistently. He will more than likely add another inch or two, putting him around 6'8 shooting guard/forward. His game REALLY reminds me of an young Mike Miller from Florida. Same size and drive. If he becomes half the player Mike Miller was, JW has a great shot of being very special here at Iowa (I am biased, Muscatine grad, class of '99)

I REALLY enjoyed learning that Wieskamp has set his sights on becoming a McDonald's All American. And I trust your top 20 personal prediction as far as being an accurate evaluation. I just don't trust the pundits...considering how phenomenal Joe has already been. What's he gotta do to rise in the rankings, walk on water?

 

[deanhawk88]

Always wondered what's better for recognition and/or development. Being the best player, by far, on an average team. Or playing on a team with better talent that wins games and titles. I can see the pros and cons of being collapsed on defensively every time you touch the ball. Must really be liberating when Joe gets the ball in the AAU circuit and 5 guys don't run at him!

 

[MagicCoach]

High Level AAU ball is head and shoulders above any high school basketball being played in any state. That's why there's discussions to do it all year and weed out high school basketball. It's basically already started with Prep School ball. Those teams you see in the Dicks National Championships are glorified AAU squads. I know at Swish N Dish some coaches were talking about UA and Nike running events in the winter. Going to get interesting in the future.

 

[Ronman]

Hopefully, all the players, not just the coach's sons, realize that the people that populate these forums are not quite right.

 

[RocknRollface]

Hopefully, all the players, not just the coach's sons, realize that the people that populate these forums are not quite right.

I see way more posters trying to act like their mother than anything else, which I agree is weird.

 

[DanL53]

I see way more posters trying to act like their mother than anything else, which I agree is weird.

You're weird. Being respectful and supportive isn't a bad thing. And some of the stuff that is said about the players on here? If this was a sports bar you wouldn't be comparing me to their "mother". But that is the nature of anonymous forums that some posters go way out of line and post stuff they would never say in public.

They are indeed fairly rare. The idea you think they are the "normal" ones interests me.

 

[DanL53]

High Level AAU ball is head and shoulders above any high school basketball being played in any state. That's why there's discussions to do it all year and weed out high school basketball. It's basically already started with Prep School ball. Those teams you see in the Dicks National Championships are glorified AAU squads. I know at Swish N Dish some coaches were talking about UA and Nike running events in the winter. Going to get interesting in the future.

That's the first thing I thought of when someone complained about the AAU, and Club Circuits. There is indeed a growing market for Basketball Academies and I have some concerns because education is involved. I don't know enough about either the AAU, or Prep Schools, to make a definite opinion. But I worry when education is involved and I see the trouble that took place in Texas with Deon Sanders Academy.

Hey, you mind if I ask a question? I see the Barnstormers are going with Adidas now? Can you explain a bit about how that works. Do the shoe companies contact you guys or the other way around?

 

[hawk-i bob]

High Level AAU ball is head and shoulders above any high school basketball being played in any state. That's why there's discussions to do it all year and weed out high school basketball. It's basically already started with Prep School ball. Those teams you see in the Dicks National Championships are glorified AAU squads. I know at Swish N Dish some coaches were talking about UA and Nike running events in the winter. Going to get interesting in the future.

Some AAU Ball is head & shoulders above high schools because they get the best of the best. You certainly realize that.

Denying any teenager the opportunity to participate in high school functions with their classmates is not only wrong but not very healthy for the kid. I understand its basketball at its highest level ... for the best of the best. But those same kids lose alot when its basketball 24/7..12 months out of the year. They lose a big part of their teenage years --called growing up (and all the up & downs that come with it).

Be careful ... not every kid is going to be a hall of famer...even if their parents may think so. "Weeding" out is not always a good thing. Let them be kids.

 

[2432Hawk]

I REALLY enjoyed learning that Wieskamp has set his sights on becoming a McDonald's All American. And I trust your top 20 personal prediction as far as being an accurate evaluation. I just don't trust the pundits...considering how phenomenal Joe has already been. What's he gotta do to rise in the rankings, walk on water?

Joe had some medical issues last summer that limited his play/exposure (ankle/momo?) If he stays healthy this summer and plays like he did this last year in H.S. then his rankings are going to go up.

 

[hooper56]

I'll admit I was pleased to see T Kakert post on the swish and dish on the front page. I'm assuming that if Connor is still taking in part in these after season events that he serious about his basketball future at Iowa. Givin all the thoughts about baseball, and what decisions he might make, I think thats encouraging.

I agree, that is a real good sign.

 

[RocknRollface]

You're weird. Being respectful and supportive isn't a bad thing. And some of the stuff that is said about the players on here? If this was a sports bar you wouldn't be comparing me to their "mother". But that is the nature of anonymous forums that some posters go way out of line and post stuff they would never say in public.

They are indeed fairly rare. The idea you think they are the "normal" ones interests me.

Wasn't specifically talking about you Dan, and it was a joke.

I see these forums being for fans discussion and venting, often times ridiculous venting of which I am guilty of.

To me its actually very similar to what you hear at a bar during a game. The main difference is I find people more willing to engage people saying stupid shit on here than they would in person. Most of us would just roll our eyes and walk away from allot of the nonsense in person.

 

[unIowa]

Source?

Margret.

 

[HawksAndChiefs24]

Yes, I do. One of the things Patrick is going to take into consideration is how things go for Connor. If things go horrible for Connor, Patrick may very well look into other options.

I strongly disagree. He will want to play for his dad and with his brother who have been there for him in the hardest of times. A short time ago he didn't know if he would live long enough to play college basketball. You really think if things aren't going well for Connor and his father his immediate reaction is going to be, "I'm not gonna be a part of that. What else is on the table?" Absolutely not. Family sticks together and it's no different in the college basketball landscape than it is for any of us. I see this as a very poor take.

How cool would it be to play with your brother and take a program where it hasn't been in 30 years... under your dad? Just makes no sense. Patrick is a hawk as long as his dad and brother are.

 

[cruhawk]

I'd think with 10 years on this site, you've seen plenty of instances of how players can get skewered here, any time they have a bad game, they play more than someone else's favorite etc.. This is especially true when it comes to the coaches offspring. How many posts have there already been about things like Connor will get preferential treatment because he's the coaches kid? Connor's game won't translate to Division one basketball. He won't be this, or he won't be that. If you were Patrick's parents, would you not evaluate closely, how things go for Connor next year?

That would be more likely if he were a lesser player. I can't imagine what would keep him away, and if Fran's the coach, his kids will be here.

 

[amahawk]

Has Patrick actually committed yet? Seems everyone says he has but he states he hasnt. Perhpas things changed in the past few months

Will he play at Iowa? It might not be as automatic as many think .

 

[hawk-i bob]

Will he play at Iowa? It might not be as automatic as many think .

so this doesnt mean anything????

As far as his recruitment, there’s really no change on that front. He remains uncommitted to Iowa and surprisingly no other school has even attempted to get involved at this point. Perhaps that’s because they know, he’s going to follow in his brother’s footsteps and eventually commit to Iowa and play for his father. Connor McCaffery committed very early to Iowa and Patrick is simply taking a different approach.

“I’m really just focused on getting better as a player and not worried about college,” he said. “I think the other coaches kind of know, especially since Connor is going to Iowa. There were a few schools that talked to him early on, but once he committed, I think they know the same thing will happen with me.”

 

[nhrahawk1973]

so this doesnt mean anything????

As far as his recruitment, there’s really no change on that front. He remains uncommitted to Iowa and surprisingly no other school has even attempted to get involved at this point. Perhaps that’s because they know, he’s going to follow in his brother’s footsteps and eventually commit to Iowa and play for his father. Connor McCaffery committed very early to Iowa and Patrick is simply taking a different approach.

“I’m really just focused on getting better as a player and not worried about college,” he said. “I think the other coaches kind of know, especially since Connor is going to Iowa. There were a few schools that talked to him early on, but once he committed, I think they know the same thing will happen with me.”

Chicken Little does not approve of this blasphemy...