Fri-Sun (9/22-9/24) updates: Phillips close, Steere talks, Leblanc out, Hellems

[Kevin McPherson]

Friday (09/22/17) updates ...

* Ian Steere told me Arkansas coaches have contacted him already since his de-commit today from Creighton. He told me he will cut down his list of schools by sometime next week, and at that time will get back with coaches/programs that have reached out.

* Reggie Chaney told me that Oklahoma State will get his 5th OV ... he just visited the Hogs, has TA&M next (Sept 29-Oct 1), then Wichita (Oct 13-15), then TCU (Oct. 20-22), and Oklahoma State is still TBD.

* Jordan Phillips left this morning to visit Georgetown ... he told me yesterday that Hogs still lead for his services.

* '19 Isaac McBride, a 6-1 combo guard at Baptist Prep in LR who finished July grassroots playing for the Arkansas Hawks 16U, just picked up an offer from D1 Abilene Christian ... he already has an offer from the Little Rock Trojans, and Arkansas associate HC Melvin Watkins stays in touch with him.

[The Hogfather]

I have watched some recent video of Reggie Chaney and he really impressed me.  I would love to add him.  That means he will probably not sign with the Hogs.

[Kevin McPherson]

* Josh Leblanc just told me he has eliminated the Hogs. Says he's down to Georgetown, TA&M, and LSU. He's really been all over the map with his list, won't be surprised if this changes again.

[mhuff]

Rats

[navyhog24]

I wonder if it is more of the Hogs moving on from him, like maybe they got good news from someone else

[batmanfan]

Just nail two of our remaining top targets and I'll be happy. As long is one is a post.

[FineAsSwine]

* Josh Leblanc just told me he has eliminated the Hogs. Says he's down to Georgetown, TA&M, and LSU. He's really been all over the map with his list, won't be surprised if this changes again.

With Leblanc out of the picture, do you think we have any kind of shot at Hellums?

[Hawg Red]

Jordan Phillips and Reggie Chaney, let's go.

[MakingPlays]

Not surprising about LeBlanc, I've felt since he took the TA&M visit he really wasn't that high on the Hogs anymore. 

Chaney needs to be the top guy, because he can play both the 4 and 5 spot. We land him and the class is set and everything else is just icing on the cake.  We land Chaney, then we have the options of getting Phillips, save the last scholarship for the Spring, or give to Justice Hill.

[mhuff]

Jordan Phillips and Reggie Chaney, let's go.

Dunno, Hellem's shot looks mighty good to me.

[Kevin McPherson]

With Leblanc out of the picture, do you think we have any kind of shot at Hellums?

Sure. His AAU coach, Corey Frazier, told me that Arkansas has probably been the most consistent program in terms of Hellems' recruitment, and Frazier believes Arkansas is "high on his list." He has a lot of respect for Hogs assistant coach Scotty Thurman.

Hogs offered in mid-July, soon after that he named UA in his Top 7, but he's been pretty quiet about his true interest level in Arkansas ... BUT the Hog coaches did go in to see him last week in St. Louis (at the school and in-home) ... and he's still got OVs to take.  Maybe the staff feels good about it's chances. He's a heckuva player and another example of a Hog Plan A offer who's still in play.

[hogwood]

So it seems now it's down to Chaney, Phillips, Steere, and Hellems as the top targets for now. It seems we have good chances with 3/4 and that Steere is unknown right now.

[Hawg Red]

So it seems now it's down to Chaney, Phillips, Steere, and Hellems as the top targets for now. It seems we have good chances with 3/4 and that Steere is unknown right now.

Yeah, any combo of those 4 would be fantastic. Hopefully we'll find out soon what Steere's recalibrated list is.

[Dominicanhog]

Yeah, any combo of those 4 would be fantastic. Hopefully we'll find out soon what Steere's recalibrated list is.

We would be OK if we were to get anyone of those (preferably a big)to go with what we have now,,, could save the final for the spring, give to JH or even use next year for HS or Juco... can't play all 13 .. we are in good shape going forward .. so in my book 1 more and the rest is gravy,...

[Dominicanhog]

* Josh Leblanc just told me he has eliminated the Hogs. Says he's down to Georgetown, TA&M, and LSU. He's really been all over the map with his list, won't be surprised if this changes again.

He might have been all over the map but there were two constants... A&M and LSU... look for it to be one of those two...

[HogFoo]

So it seems now it's down to Chaney, Phillips, Steere, and Hellems as the top targets for now. It seems we have good chances with 3/4 and that Steere is unknown right now.

any combo of those 4 would work for me.  I personally like Jordan  the 6'7 guard who can handle the rock.  Reminds me of Joe Johnson I feel like he would be a difference maker.  I would love to have a big inside dude.  Either Chaney or Steere.  Chaney only 6'8 but about 230lb if I remember  and Steere was about 6'10.  Steere looked like a beast inside!  When I saw his video I was like damn. Was very sad when he chose Creighton over us.  I wonder if us losing Perry made him like us more.  Enough to decommit.  I believe Chaney had an outside shot tho, since apparently coaches were saying they would like for him to play like Portis.  I'd say Jordan, for sure, any combo for the rest.  That would probably jump us up to having the #1 class again too.  And that is a lot of talent.  Just makes ya smile seeing all this talent coming thru the Hill again.  Hogs will be back where they deserve very soon!  #WPS

[Kevin McPherson]

Saturday (9/23/17) updates ... below are my tweets today regarding Jericole Hellems ...

* '18 Hog offer @JericoleHellems (6-7 SF, Brad Beal Elite) has Hogs "high on his list", according to BBE 17U head coach Corey Frazier!

* "Arkansas has probably been the most consistent program in (Hellem's) recruitment," Frazier said. "I think they'll get a visit."

* .@JericoleHellems had a huge Nike Peach Jam performance, earning at least 20 offers that wknd, incl the Hogs. He's visited NCSt & SCarolina.

* Frazier confirmed that Hog coaches were in to see @JericoleHellems recently, both at his school (St. Louis Chaminade) and an in-home visit.

[Dominicanhog]

Saturday (9/23/17) updates ... below are my tweets today regarding Jericole Hellems ...

* '18 Hog offer @JericoleHellems (6-7 SF, Brad Beal Elite) has Hogs "high on his list", according to BBE 17U head coach Corey Frazier!

* "Arkansas has probably been the most consistent program in (Hellem's) recruitment," Frazier said. "I think they'll get a visit."

* .@JericoleHellems had a huge Nike Peach Jam performance, earning at least 20 offers that wknd, incl the Hogs. He's visited NCSt & SCarolina.

* Frazier confirmed that Hog coaches were in to see @JericoleHellems recently, both at his school (St. Louis Chaminade) and an in-home visit.

Sounds great.. the more you see him on video the better he looks.. do you take any two.. ie. Hellems/Phillips or do you have to take a big.. ie Steere/Chaney?  I know a big makes sense, but how could you pass if both Hellems and Phillips wanted to come, though they virtually play the same position.. one's more of a facilitator that can play a couple of positions while the other is more of a scorer.. but, in general they are both big guard/small forward types...

[mhuff]

Like the way that Hellems looks offensively. Arkansas has needed forever a PF and SF that could score. I don't know about his defense  ,but I really like his offense

[Kevin McPherson]

Sounds great.. the more you see him on video the better he looks.. do you take any two.. ie. Hellems/Phillips or do you have to take a big.. ie Steere/Chaney?  I know a big makes sense, but how could you pass if both Hellems and Phillips wanted to come, though they virtually play the same position.. one's more of a facilitator that can play a couple of positions while the other is more of a scorer.. but, in general they are both big guard/small forward types...

I think Arkansas needs to pick up another big. Now, they shouldn't reach in doing so, but with 6 total scholarships to give and 3 bigs leaving the program (Thompson, Thomas, and Cook) they simply can't bring in a class with only one interior player (right now, that's Ethan Henderson). If not Chaney or Steere, maybe they envision Hellems being another undersized combo-4 type (what they projected Thomas to be), but Chaney or Steere would be my preference for answering the need of another big. Nothing against Hellems, but IMO he's a 3 or a combo-4 who's more perimeter-oriented.

I think a Hellems and Chaney (or Steere) finish, or Phillips and Chaney (or Steere) finish would be ideal. Hogs might be looking to add 3 more players, which is complicated based on the current numbers.

[Hawg Red]

I think Arkansas needs to pick up another big. Now, they shouldn't reach in doing so, but with 6 total scholarships to give and 3 bigs leaving the program (Thompson, Thomas, and Cook) they simply can't bring in a class with only one interior player (right now, that's Ethan Henderson). If not Chaney or Steere, maybe they envision Hellems being another undersized combo-4 type (what they projected Thomas to be), but Chaney or Steere would be my preference for answering the need of another big. Nothing against Hellems, but IMO he's a 3 or a combo-4 who's more perimeter-oriented.

I think a Hellems and Chaney (or Steere) finish, or Phillips and Chaney (or Steere) finish would be ideal. Hogs might be looking to add 3 more players, which is complicated based on the current numbers.

Looking to add 3 more for 2018? Wonder what gives there. Perplexing.

[azhog10]

Looking to add 3 more for 2018? Wonder what gives there. Perplexing.

One of two things, CJ Jones transfer or Dan Gafford may be a one and done. Not in practices to know the case with either.

If anything does happen I hope we push hard for an upper class men transfer/JUCO. Bailey is a sophomore but I'm pretty certain he's gonna play. I think the question marks reside with CJ Jones and how much PT he's gonna get. I know the coaches love their current freshman class. Guess Gabe could be the one kid that transfers out but I don't see it.

[Hawg Red]

One of two things, CJ Jones transfer or Dan Gafford may be a one and done. Not in practices to know the case with either.

Those are the two clearest possibilities to me. I know the coaches already view Gafford as a two-year player based on what they've seen from him. If they don't think Jones is where he should be after two offseasons, it would make sense that they are looking to recruit over him.

[Hawg Red]

I can't fault the staff if they feel really good about getting Phillips, Chaney and Hellems for going for all 3.

[The_Iceman]

Gafford won't be one and done.

[azhog10]

Gafford won't be one and done.

Well you said it! Done deal.

[azhog10]

I can't fault the staff if they feel really good about getting Phillips, Chaney and Holmes for going for all 3.

If you mean Hellems I agree. Those three are three you find room for. That freshman class would be loaded.

[Dominicanhog]

Not anticipating anyone leaving, but Hellems would be a shooter type similar to what CJ gives us, with Hellems a bit more versatile...

[Hawg Red]

If you mean Hellems I agree. Those three are three you find room for. That freshman class would be loaded.

Yeah, Hellems. My bad.

[Kevin McPherson]

Sunday (9/24/17) updates ...

* Just spoke with Jordan Phillips, who just got back from Georgetown ... I believe he's close to making an announcement ... here are my tweets ...

-- '18 Hog offer @J22Phillips told me his Georgetown visit this wknd "was pretty good" & he'll likely "pass up on" his VaTech visit next wknd!

-- Hogs still in the lead? "Yes sir," @J22Phillips (6-7 wing, Arlington, TX) said. "I appreciate all the love (Hog fans) have been showing me"

* Keonte Kennedy released his Top 6 on Friday afternoon = Michigan, Xavier, Texas Tech, Memphis, VCU, Nebraska ... he was orignally set to OV to Fayetteville Sept 8-10, then he changed it to Oct. 20-22.

* FWIW, Josh Leblanc on his OV this weekend to LSU: "It was alright. It was cool."

[ThisGuy]

Sounds Good on Phillips!

[Razorod]

Sounds Good on Phillips!

I'll second that!

[HardingHog]

If we want him, it sounds like Phillips is ours!
Also sounds like Leblanc is headed to A&M. I'd pick Michigan or Memphis as the landing spot for Kennedy

[Kevin McPherson]

If we want him, it sounds like Phillips is ours!

[batmanfan]

Phillips commits in 3...2...1...

[Hogimus Prime]

i hope Phillips commits to the Hogs.  A versatile 6'7" guard to go with guys like Garland, Hall, Jones and Joe would make MA's press and traps a nightmare for the other team

[GrizzlyRider07]

So is there a possibility that he doesn't have a committable offer?

[batmanfan]

So is there a possibility that he doesn't have a committable offer?

This would make some sense, but it sure seems like this staff is really hard after the guy.

[Dominicanhog]

So is there a possibility that he doesn't have a committable offer?

Yeah, Kevin's quoting left some questions... and surprise..

[masondh]

http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Jordan-Phillips-at-Grace-Preparatory-Academy-147360/CurrentExpertPredictions

Everyone on 247 has Phillips here

[FineAsSwine]

http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Jordan-Phillips-at-Grace-Preparatory-Academy-147360/CurrentExpertPredictions

Everyone on 247 has Phillips here

He can't get here fast enough for me!

[FineAsSwine]

One of two things, CJ Jones transfer or Dan Gafford may be a one and done. Not in practices to know the case with either.

If anything does happen I hope we push hard for an upper class men transfer/JUCO. Bailey is a sophomore but I'm pretty certain he's gonna play. I think the question marks reside with CJ Jones and how much PT he's gonna get. I know the coaches love their current freshman class. Guess Gabe could be the one kid that transfers out but I don't see it.

Hope CJ proves his worth this year, especially on defense.

[MakingPlays]

Those are the two clearest possibilities to me. I know the coaches already view Gafford as a two-year player based on what they've seen from him. If they don't think Jones is where he should be after two offseasons, it would make sense that they are looking to recruit over him.

I would think Gabe O would be the highest possibility of a transfer if one occurs.  He is a guy they took a chance on late due to the Brachen Hazen transfer.  Plus if we landed all remaining recruits which would be Hellums, Phillips, and Chaney, they would have to make room at the forward spots for those guys. 

With that said things are unpredictable.  I would have never thought Jimmy Whitt would have transferred.  So, I never say never on anyone leaving early with the way college basketball is these days. 

[mizzouman]

For Hellems, don't underestimate Florida for his services.  Florida has had great success with Chaminade players, i.e., Brad Beal and David Lee.

[HogFoo]

Sure would love to get a commit from Jordan soon.  Something about the 6'7 guard who can handle the ball like that intrigues me.  And I'd also love to hear Chaney call the hogs or Hellums. Apparently Steere may be headed elsewhere.  But, Chaney Big inside, and Jordan , added to our current group, that would be an outstanding class!  It's probably push us back up to being #1 with that class. And we'd probably be a top 5 for the star by get a out there come signing day.  But, dang all those guys I just mentioned with Henderson, sills, joe, mix with gharland, gafford, etc..etc.. man that is a team!