2009 Razorback Basketball Signees

[Tomhog™]

Early Period Signees

Name                   Position    Riv       Sct        Stats              Hometown

Marshawn Powell       PF       ****    ****      6'6", 230 lb      Charlottesville, VA

Jemal Farmer            SF       ***      ***       6'5", 215 lb      Concordia KS CC

Anthony Borden         C        **        ***       7'0", 220 lbs     West Memphis, AR


Late Period Commits

Name                   Position    Riv       Sct        Stats              Hometown

Julysses Nobles         PG        NR         **        6'2", 175 lb       Jackson, MS

[newera]

how many spots do we have?

[HogFaninMemphis]

We gain another scholly with P Bev being gone, I assume.

[Zen_Hog]

I want a one and done player.

[Foshodo]

See Tom, this list helps quite a bit... I had completely forgotten about Farmer.

Appreciate it!

[hawgchill]

TOMHOG issssss THE BEST!!

GLAD you're feeling better too!  :  )

[PorkSoda]

how many spots do we have?

None with the addition of Borden, but he may go the prep/juco route so that would leave us with one.  That is also taking into account that Cox's scholarship is probably a one year deal.

[chiefsfan]

I imagine we will go after one more.   Probably a guard

Farmer's commitment is surprising considering no one seems to have anything on him.  Pelphrey must know something we dont.  (err he knows alot that we dont,) I mean he must know something the recruiting experts dont

[PorkSoda]

I imagine we will go after one more.   Probably a guard

Farmer's commitment is surprising considering no one seems to have anything on him.  Pelphrey must know something we dont.  (err he knows alot that we dont,) I mean he must know something the recruiting experts dont

It seems like Pel is impressed with his athletism.  (He has over a 40 inch vertical)

[Tomhog™]

All 3 signed with Arkansas as expected today.

[Baconator]

Scout has both Farmer and Borden as 3 stars. ESPN gave Anthony an 89 grade, but I don't know how much credibility their site has.

[RZRBack_FAN]

This class = 8th in the SEC behind Ole Miss Vandy Alabama. Very unimpressed. Glad these guys are Hogs but these are not the kind of classes that are going to Bring Arkansas basketball back to what it once was.

[12247]

OM, Vandy, and Ala have all had a real team or two in the past 10 years, we haven't.  Add to that Ky, Fla, LSU, and TN have had several real teams in the past 10 years and you might be able to figure out why we only rank 8th or so in recruiting in the SEC.  This is an easy math problem, one that can be done with just the fingers.

[touchdownark]

I imagine we will go after one more.   Probably a guard

Farmer's commitment is surprising considering no one seems to have anything on him.  Pelphrey must know something we dont.  (err he knows alot that we dont,) I mean he must know something the recruiting experts dont

He is probaly recruiting the guy because he has a lot of potential and could be good with some great coaching

[Smithian]

It is a smart class, 12247.

Marshawn Powell = An area rebounder and low block scorer, two things we really need. Brandon Moore and Andre Clark are good players, but they really want to run the court and are really not bangers down low. Powell can bang and also run a bit. Really is a good complement to the current guys.

Anthony Borden = Probably will end up growing into a full seven foot frame. May not be perfect for our new style, but is a definate must, IMO. First, it never hurts to have a seven footer in basketball. Second, you always need to be prepared to face a Big 10 or similiar team in the tourney who wants to turn it into a half court battle. You never want to be the small-ish team that relies on running who will fall apart in the halfcourt.

Jemal Farmer = Although it doesn't look like a great signing, I can't complain. Combo players usually do well in college basketball considering very few teams have a player who fits the mold of a swingman.

This class is really growing on me as a complement to the current one. I like we're bringing in a JUCO to help try to balance out the loss of six seniors and really try to get a rhythm in recruiting again.

[PorkSoda]

This class = 8th in the SEC behind Ole Miss Vandy Alabama. Very unimpressed. Glad these guys are Hogs but these are not the kind of classes that are going to Bring Arkansas basketball back to what it once was.

You have to remember that the number of recruits count in the mix also.  we only signed 3 guys as opposed to the 6 that we signed last year.

[Corkscrew Johnson]

It is a smart class, 12247.

Marshawn Powell = An area rebounder and low block scorer, two things we really need. Brandon Moore and Andre Clark are good players, but they really want to run the court and are really not bangers down low. Powell can bang and also run a bit. Really is a good complement to the current guys.

Anthony Borden = Probably will end up growing into a full seven foot frame. May not be perfect for our new style, but is a definate must, IMO. First, it never hurts to have a seven footer in basketball. Second, you always need to be prepared to face a Big 10 or similiar team in the tourney who wants to turn it into a half court battle. You never want to be the small-ish team that relies on running who will fall apart in the halfcourt.

Jemal Farmer = Although it doesn't look like a great signing, I can't complain. Combo players usually do well in college basketball considering very few teams have a player who fits the mold of a swingman.

This class is really growing on me as a complement to the current one. I like we're bringing in a JUCO to help try to balance out the loss of six seniors and really try to get a rhythm in recruiting again.

Yup, Heath really left us in shambles.  It's ridiculous that any team can lose 87% of their scoring and 80% of their rebouding and assists in one year...and as a result we have a freshman class with 6 contributing players, which unfortunately continues the trend of lopsided classes.  We need to smooth this out.

This was a disappointing class but it was never expected to be good.  No elite talent in Arkansas whatsoever.  Erase the one and done's Stephenson and Favors, and we were on complimentary players all the way (Trent, Shawn Williams, Walton were not taking us to any Final Fours).  Pel is building a foundation and I think the current guys will still be contributing 2-3 years from now.  It will position us well to mine quality talent in 2010 and 2011, which is a long way off but it's the unfortunate truth.  If Pel strikes out next year, then I will be raising an eyebrow with you.  But until then, you just need to truly appreciate the void Stan left us in. 

[hogfan61490]

What actually happened to p beverley??

[The_Iceman]

I do have a couple questions concerning this class:

1. Marshawn Powell, how tall is he really? Ive seen anywhere from 6'6" to 6'8".

2. Jemal Farmer, with a reported 40" vert and good 3 point shooting, how is he only a 3 star? i can see why Pel liked him, maybe he is just a sleeper. But does anyone have video or stats from this year on him?

[RZRBack_FAN]

You have to remember that the number of recruits count in the mix also.  we only signed 3 guys as opposed to the 6 that we signed last year.

Thats a good point. Maybe we can sign 1 more hopefully a very good Juco.

[The_Iceman]

Alright guys, i found some stats on Jemal Farmer's games this year.

He is averaging between 22-25 points a game. Hitting about 2-3 Three's a game. Shooting aboout 5-8 FT's a game. about 6 rebounds a 3 assists. This of course isnt calculated its just a guestimate.

From what I can tell, he is definately their best player, a 2nd team All-Juco Preseason.

The FT's tell me that he attacks the basket, and he also shoots a high percentage.

So, maybe he is kinda a sleeper pick for us. Lets hope he can bring it here to the hogs next year.

[cardinalandwhite]

Alright guys, i found some stats on Jemal Farmer's games this year.

He is averaging between 22-25 points a game. Hitting about 2-3 Three's a game. Shooting aboout 5-8 FT's a game. about 6 rebounds a 3 assists. This of course isnt calculated its just a guestimate.

From what I can tell, he is definately their best player, a 2nd team All-Juco Preseason.

The FT's tell me that he attacks the basket, and he also shoots a high percentage.

So, maybe he is kinda a sleeper pick for us. Lets hope he can bring it here to the hogs next year.

I wondered about him until I started seeing articles about his games, then I started to think Pelphry just made a find.  Farmer seems to be a player for his team, as well as someone who can jump out of the gym.  I like his signing more and more as I look at it.

[The_Iceman]

Anyone got any updates on Marshawn Powell and Anthony Borden?

Has anyone seen these guys play?

[pignatious]

From what I have heard and what I can see, this class is pretty pitiful. Pelphrey was brought in to bring Arkansas back to prominence, or at least should have been. This is not the way to get there. If he does not get his act together and get stronger at recruiting next year, he should not get the luxury that Stan Heath got of 5 years. Settling for less than quality recruits and projects should not occur at Arkansas.

[FBfan]

From what I have heard and what I can see, this class is pretty pitiful. Pelphrey was brought in to bring Arkansas back to prominence, or at least should have been. This is not the way to get there. If he does not get his act together and get stronger at recruiting next year, he should not get the luxury that Stan Heath got of 5 years. Settling for less than quality recruits and projects should not occur at Arkansas.

Marshawn Powell is a Top 50 player on several recruiting sites, Jemal Farmer is a Top 10 juco player and both fill a big need, post presence and another athletic 3.

As for Borden it's hard to turn down a 7'0 with tremendous athleticism.  Perhaps he is a reach, don't know I haven't seen him, but the other 2 guys are solid.

[Stud_Fan]

Are we in on any more recruits for spring?

[The_Iceman]

Are we in on any more recruits for spring?

i would hope they are still going after all the top rated players who have even remote interest in us. but i don't know how many we can exactly sign, 3...maybe 4, thats assuming Borden goes to prep or somewhere.

[cardinalandwhite]

Marshawn Powell is a Top 50 player on several recruiting sites, Jemal Farmer is a Top 10 juco player and both fill a big need, post presence and another athletic 3.

As for Borden it's hard to turn down a 7'0 with tremendous athleticism.  Perhaps he is a reach, don't know I haven't seen him, but the other 2 guys are solid.

From what I've seen, Borden is a guy who just screams potential.  He's kind of raw, but supposedly his ceiling is unbelievably high.

[little pigee]

Thanks, Tomhog.

[The_Iceman]

From what I've seen, Borden is a guy who just screams potential.  He's kind of raw, but supposedly his ceiling is unbelievably high.

There seems to be alot of risk/reward with him.

The one person who ive talked to that has seen him play described him using one word, "pathetic".

i don't know what that mean (he is usually pretty critical), but it didnt sound too good. I assume what he meant was the fact that he doesnt dominate the game for being his size.

[returntoglory]

From what I have heard and what I can see, this class is pretty pitiful. Pelphrey was brought in to bring Arkansas back to prominence, or at least should have been. This is not the way to get there. If he does not get his act together and get stronger at recruiting next year, he should not get the luxury that Stan Heath got of 5 years. Settling for less than quality recruits and projects should not occur at Arkansas.

I agree. Let's throw out the fact that he got two four stars last year. Rotnei obviously sucks. He was a four star and got put down to a three. What a joke of a player. Oh, and that Daniel Payne guy, the number one juco recruit in the nation who wanted to come here but was in too much trouble to do so. Pelphrey sucks at recruiting. Lets can him now.

[hillhog]

Don't know anything about any of these recruits but from what I am reading from all the posts on here, the majority seem to be somewhat impressed with these guys so, at this point, Pel's second year, why all the smiting from a few about his recruits, performance?? He won more games in his first year than any other Hogs coach, sure he had 6 seniors but what a 6!!! I will take this years freshmen over that 6 any day with the exception of Weems who often was somewhat hot or cold.

[hillhog]

returntoglory, I like your sarcasm and agree with your insight.

[Beaverfever]

With Mcdonell quite likely not returning to the team and Borden most likely headed to Prep school, that leaves us a couple players down in the 2009-2010.  This probably doesn't bother Pel that much because the next two classes look to be pretty stacked.  I wonder if he will be content to play with only 10-11 scholarship players over the next couple years to save up the schollies for the next two classes.

[returntoglory]

returntoglory, I like your sarcasm and agree with your insight.

Sarcasm? Me?...naw

[Smithian]

There seems to be alot of risk/reward with him.

The one person who ive talked to that has seen him play described him using one word, "pathetic".

i don't know what that mean (he is usually pretty critical), but it didnt sound too good. I assume what he meant was the fact that he doesnt dominate the game for being his size.

I heard he did nothing against Northside, but I am not too concerned. Northside is a great team at shutting you down if you only have one or two players. Johnny Mason is a great coach, and the way they play and how they're coached makes me think they could go and play any school in Jersey City, Atlanta, and New York City and succeed.

Borden isn't dominating, but I guarantee you Pelphrey will get him into amazing shape, put muscle on him, and slap him around a bit to make him mean. You can't coach potential, and as long as he is willing to work hard and learn, he's fine.

[jry04]

From what I have heard and what I can see, this class is pretty pitiful. Pelphrey was brought in to bring Arkansas back to prominence, or at least should have been. This is not the way to get there. If he does not get his act together and get stronger at recruiting next year, he should not get the luxury that Stan Heath got of 5 years. Settling for less than quality recruits and projects should not occur at Arkansas.

You obviously have heard and read wrong. Powell is going to be very good. He is a top 50 recruit and could make an immediate impact. I don't think I even have to talk about him.

Farmer is not known by a lot of people right now, but he is going to be very good. Just the other week his team played the #1 ranked JC in the nation and beat them. Farmer had 22 points and 10 boards. As others have mentioned, he is extremely athletic. Those two players are going to contribute a lot next year. Keep in mind we return everyone too. We will be a solid team next year, and 2010 should be the year we really make a lot of noise.

[Oklahawg]

Borden is a deep-find project. However, 7-footers don't grow on trees and if he can learn to play at his height (tall, skinny guys tend to act like they are inches shorter) he can be, at the least, a Steven Hill defensive help. Not going to happen for a year or two - gonna take weight training and catching up with the game.

Powell is a legit player who fits a need. Farmer, too, could fit the bill of swing scorer that we all hope Henry can grow into. JUCO guys are tough to guage. There is always the academic caveat. How disciplined are the players? JUCOs are a mixed bag and the talent differential gets bigger. It is equally possible that Farmer comes in as an impact scorer as it is he has developed bad habits that take much of his career to shake out.

I would really like to see Pel look at a gym rat baller. An Ernie Murray or Lenzie Howell type. Those guys weren't great talents. They had great heart, or played that way. Even if those are not the best example I'm wanting a player who is cool being a defensive specialist, or offering to take charges, or forego big offensive numbers to be a good rebounder.

I think this team has more anecdotal talent than it has team talent. Pel needs someone that can bring it together and make it greater than the sum of its parts.

[Tomhog™]

This class wasn't out of this world, but appears to be fairly solid. Arkansas is no longer a team of relevance in this sport. These kids were 4 years old when the Hogs won the NC. And to boot, Pelphrey is not a big name coach that recruits flock to. He goes by the book and doesn't break rules like some other coaches do.

Like him or not, Pelphrey is here 4 years and working just as hard as he can to restore the program. He knows its history as well as anyone and is doing his best. If his best doesn't get us back to an elite team, then the AD will move on in 3 years. He deserves a shot to build.

[jry04]

Borden is a deep-find project. However, 7-footers don't grow on trees and if he can learn to play at his height (tall, skinny guys tend to act like they are inches shorter) he can be, at the least, a Steven Hill defensive help. Not going to happen for a year or two - gonna take weight training and catching up with the game.

Powell is a legit player who fits a need. Farmer, too, could fit the bill of swing scorer that we all hope Henry can grow into. JUCO guys are tough to guage. There is always the academic caveat. How disciplined are the players? JUCOs are a mixed bag and the talent differential gets bigger. It is equally possible that Farmer comes in as an impact scorer as it is he has developed bad habits that take much of his career to shake out.

I would really like to see Pel look at a gym rat baller. An Ernie Murray or Lenzie Howell type. Those guys weren't great talents. They had great heart, or played that way. Even if those are not the best example I'm wanting a player who is cool being a defensive specialist, or offering to take charges, or forego big offensive numbers to be a good rebounder.

I think this team has more anecdotal talent than it has team talent. Pel needs someone that can bring it together and make it greater than the sum of its parts.

It seems we have a few players like that right now. Sanchez gives maximum effort every game. He isn't the most talented, but plays hard. Britt is the same way. He isn't the most talented, but plays very good D.

[PennaHog]

From what I have heard and what I can see, this class is pretty pitiful. Pelphrey was brought in to bring Arkansas back to prominence, or at least should have been. This is not the way to get there. If he does not get his act together and get stronger at recruiting next year, he should not get the luxury that Stan Heath got of 5 years. Settling for less than quality recruits and projects should not occur at Arkansas.

Any idea how many stars Corey Beck was rated???

Once you find out how Nolan took a chance on him.....make your "This is Arkansas...Pel better get his act together" statement again.

In fact.....  STFU.


WPS

In Pel I trust.

[OKhogfan1959]

Hope Farmer turns out to be another Lenzie Howell..He could play!

[cardinalandwhite]

it seems most players usually shrink a couple of inches by the time they reach college.

That deserves a big +1!

[imisswarrenlinn]

Here's hoping that our new "raw big man with a lot of potential" doesn't turn out like the last guy fitting that description. I am having horrible flashbacks to Vincent Hunter right now. That was the exact terminology used to describe him. Granted, he did have a bad shoulder injury his freshman year, but he never quite developed like many thought he would.

[returntoglory]

Hunter never played with heart, and as much as I love Stan Heath, he played like Heath coached. That will not be the case under Pel. You don't find slackers. This kid will come in, put together an awful freshman campaign where people on this board trash him, and then wow you his sophmore year and up.

[imisswarrenlinn]

i hope so. we are seeing right now how much it hurts to have only one guy who can score the ball in the post. if we don't start getting some production from sanchez, clark, or moore at the 4 spot, then we can count on mike getting double and triple teamed for the rest of the year. i love the way sanchez plays, but he needs to become more of a viable scoring option to discourage teams from pulling his man over to help on washington. clark and moore need to improve...fast.

[heathtits]

Hunter never played with heart, and as much as I love Stan Heath, he played like Heath coached. That will not be the case under Pel. You don't find slackers. This kid will come in, put together an awful freshman campaign where people on this board trash him, and then wow you his sophmore year and up.

Wait, you loved Heath?

I personally liked Vincent. I'm pretty sure he was a Nolan recruit and most of those guys got snubbed pretty badly by Heath. Remember Johnathan Modica's Junior season or lack there of?

I won't agree that he didn't always look like he was playing his heart out, but I did a Spanish project with him once and although he didn't say much about it, and I of course didn't bug him, it seemed like A LOT was going on behind the scenes with that team.I could be wrong, but that's just my point of view regarding Ole Vince.

[heathtits]

But regarding this 2009 class,

TomHog, have you heard anything about adding anyone else in the late period since Mcdonald's spot opened up or will Pel just wait for 2010?

I'll admit I had my reserves about this class but after looking over a lot more on these guys I came to understand they are here to build the TEAM. Pel went out and signed a GREAT class last year. Not to mention a class that potentially could stay for all four years. Blue Chips guys are great, but they can also be poison during rebuilding.

I believe Pel is trying to build a cohesive unit that will be extremely solid in 2-3 years time rather than going after 1 and done guys who are just looking to go straight to the league with no real consideration for the building of a program ALA Beasley. 1 and done guys are great and all, but its not the same as it was for Nolan. Those type of players stayed at least 3 years if not 4. Now days, guys leave at the drop of a hat and can alter and create massive holes in the chemistry of a team.

This class adds depth and size exactly where we need it the most. You've got to remember we've got our ENTIRE team coming back next year with the possible exception of Washington. And if you have your doubts, just go back to Heath's recruiting. Sure he landed some blue chip guys in Famu and Washington, but what sort of impact did they ever make under Heath and besides when we had great leaders in Ronnie and Modica. Hell when did Heath's teams ever look like a TEAM? It always seemed to be Ronnie and Modica's teams from my point of view.

I really like how this team is building up and I trust the Red Head.

[PorkSoda]

Who is backing up fortson now?  I think, we could really use another point guard to add to the class, but maybe another wing or big next year might be more important.

[jharwell]

Any idea how many stars Corey Beck was rated???

Once you find out how Nolan took a chance on him.....make your "This is Arkansas...Pel better get his act together" statement again.

In fact.....  STFU.


WPS

In Pel I trust.

Great quote and I agree 100%.  Some people know not what they talk about.