Press Row - elite in state players not recruited

[HogCard]

So Vernon on Press row this morning was VERY ADAMANT that neither Monk nor Allen were "recruited".  In his Vernon voice he said "they weren't recruited and I'll leave it at that".  Said he talked to the families.

Now I know this show is borderline grade school talent contest level, but has anyone else ever heard this?  How can you "not recruit" such elite players from your home state?  Are you that naïve to think you don't have to?

Did I misunderstand him?

[DeltaBoy]

He doesn't know his 6 from a hole in the ground.

[The_Iceman]

So Vernon on Press row this morning was VERY ADAMANT that neither Monk nor Allen were "recruited".  In his Vernon voice he said "they weren't recruited and I'll leave it at that".  Said he talked to the families.

Now I know this show is borderline grade school talent contest level, but has anyone else ever heard this?  How can you "not recruit" such elite players from your home state?  Are you that naïve to think you don't have to?

Did I misunderstand him?

Kevaughn Allen I can agree with. But Malik Monk was given the staff's best recruiting effort (which isn't saying much).

[MountieDawg]

Its not an awful show!  I listen when other stations are at commercial or talking about HS Sports.  I like their opinions and Vernon will usually not sugar coat the facts like the other radio talent.  But they talk entirely too much about the Cardinals, Women's golf and Women's basketball for me to keep my radio tuned in.

They have Mike Conley in a lot and he is a good listen.  But he doesn't get the same hate Marcus Monk gets for his son leaving the state.

[hoglady]

Kevaughn Allen I can agree with. But Malik Monk was given the staff's best recruiting effort (which isn't saying much).

I'm with you.
From all accounts every effort was put into recruiting Monk.
Allen probably not near as much as should have been - Donovan brought his entire staff to NLR to see Kevaughn. Not even sure we ever did that.

[Captain Morgan]

I'm with you.
From all accounts every effort was put into recruiting Monk.
Allen probably not near as much as should have been - Donovan brought his entire staff to NLR to see Kevaughn. Not even sure we ever did that.

Of Course they didn't. Michael Anderson would rather recruit JUCOs to take his program to the next level. He may have missed his window as No said with losing all these elite in state recruits

[Ironhawg]

Its not an awful show!  I listen when other stations are at commercial or talking about HS Sports.  I like their opinions and Vernon will usually not sugar coat the facts like the other radio talent.  But they talk entirely too much about the Cardinals, Women's golf and Women's basketball for me to keep my radio tuned in.

They have Mike Conley in a lot and he is a good listen.  But he doesn't get the same hate Marcus Monk gets for his son leaving the state.

Is it Mike Conley or Steve Conley they have on regularly?  I thought it was Steve?

[HawgWild]

Wasn't this also something said about Nolan?

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

So Vernon on Press row this morning was VERY ADAMANT that neither Monk nor Allen were "recruited".  In his Vernon voice he said "they weren't recruited and I'll leave it at that".  Said he talked to the families.

Now I know this show is borderline grade school talent contest level, but has anyone else ever heard this?  How can you "not recruit" such elite players from your home state?  Are you that naïve to think you don't have to?

Did I misunderstand him?

Sigh.
By ''taking the high road'' and not being specific, all he really did was hide behind the ole ''not saying anything'' while calling MA out.

Cheese move.

If he really had something, he should have given an honest explanation and could have still kept the names of individuals discreet.

[HawgAdvocate]

Allen's recruitment (or lack of) has been discussed and documented (http://www.bestofarkansassports.com/kevaughn-allen-set-on-florida-dismisses-chance-of-becoming-razorback/). Internally, after the '14 fall signing period, the staff claimed they never wanted Allen.

Monk is an interesting topic though. We don't really know how often the staff made contact. I can only speculate, but it could be that the Arkansas staff may have been a bit too overconfident leading up till the last few months before the fall signing period, since Malik initially said he was going to sign in the spring. 

[jkstock04]

That show is still on the air? I haven't listened to that since 2006. They talk about golf more than they do the Razorbacks.

[SONofHAM]

There were discussions on here about serving Allen cold cuts on his recruiting visit instead of good food. 

[HogCard]

Is it Mike Conley or Steve Conley they have on regularly?  I thought it was Steve?

It is Steve Conley

[Jackrabbit Hog]

Who the heck is "Vernon"?  Sorry; I live in Memphis and can't keep up with all the Arkansas radio shows like I used to.

Thanks.  I'll hang up and listen.

[SONofHAM]

Who the heck is "Vernon"?  Sorry; I live in Memphis and can't keep up with all the Arkansas radio shows like I used to.

Thanks.  I'll hang up and listen.

http://www.nwaonline.com/staff/vernon-tarver/

[The_Iceman]

I have heard that even if something happened with Cal at Kentucky, Monk likely wouldn't come back here. Apparently Mike was pretty ticked off and burned some bridges when it all went down.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

I have heard that even if something happened with Cal at Kentucky, Monk likely wouldn't come back here. Apparently Mike was pretty ticked off and burned some bridges when it all went down.

With what is known about this situation, I don't think you can blame Mike.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

http://www.nwaonline.com/staff/vernon-tarver/

Thanks. 

[MountieDawg]

Is it Mike Conley or Steve Conley they have on regularly?  I thought it was Steve?

It is Mike Sr... He was talking about his son Mike Jr today

[ricepig]

Allen's recruitment (or lack of) has been discussed and documented (http://www.bestofarkansassports.com/kevaughn-allen-set-on-florida-dismisses-chance-of-becoming-razorback/). Internally, after the '14 fall signing period, the staff claimed they never wanted Allen.

Monk is an interesting topic though. We don't really know how often the staff made contact. I can only speculate, but it could be that the Arkansas staff may have been a bit too overconfident leading up till the last few months before the fall signing period, since Malik initially said he was going to sign in the spring. 

When a certain position wasn't made available, we lost all hope of signing Monk.

[MountieDawg]

Mike Sr leaving from behind  the line in a dunk contest...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZz6qJvbrgY

The competition between Mike, Ken Griffey Jr and Deion Sanders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29TixSRcEA4

[The_Iceman]

With what is known about this situation, I don't think you can blame Mike.

Yeah, I don't. Just sayin'.

[wheelspigharvey]

To claim we never recruited Malik is a joke.  Dude is stirring the pot plain and simple.

[hogsanity]

Here is the thing, if he did recruit them hard, and could not get them to sign, that is a problem. If he did not recruit them hard or much at all, that too is a problem. Both options are highly troublesome.

[yocdaddy]

I am pretty sure that Mike and Company don't work as hard in recruiting as other programs.  I do know that not much was done to attract Curry (Minnesota signee), Smith (Mizzou signee) Willis (Vandy signee), Korita (Tulsa commit) or Reeves (Wichita St. commit).  Curry and Smith are 6'8" or bigger and we lack those kind of forwards.  Both may be better as juniors as the JUCO players we just signed.  Willis is a dynamic guard that will destroy us for the next 4 years.  Korita and Reeves are both 6'4" or bigger and can fill it up.  I predict Reeves to be an elite player at Wichita St. after a couple seasons of strength and conditioning.  Arkansas failed to get any of the top 6 in state kids, that is a tragedy.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

If CMA isn't recruiting hard, we need a new coach pronto.  I mean, that's about as basic as it gets.

[TNhawgfan]

With what is known about this situation, I don't think you can blame Mike.

Maybe you can't blame Mike for not getting Monk, but you sure can blame him for not trying harder on a crap ton of other players. If he had been doing his job, the loss of Portis and Qualls would not have killed this team the way it did.

[nationwish]

I have heard that even if something happened with Cal at Kentucky, Monk likely wouldn't come back here. Apparently Mike was pretty ticked off and burned some bridges when it all went down.

I heard a version of this story, but what I heard didn't make sense. It sounded like someone was intentionally spreading false information or that people really didn't understand how the system works after the letter is signed.

[Jackrabbit Hog]

I heard a version of this story, but what I heard didn't make sense. It sounded like someone was intentionally spreading false information or that people really didn't understand how the system works after the letter is signed.

That's shocking.  Big time college basketball recruiting is above that mess.

[HogSkinsDisease]

It is Mike Sr... He was talking about his son Mike Jr today

Wrong. It is Steve Conley they have on regularly. He brings up his nephew on occasion during certain discussions. And also mentions his playing days with the Steelers.

[Paul]

Its not an awful show!  I listen when other stations are at commercial or talking about HS Sports.  I like their opinions and Vernon will usually not sugar coat the facts like the other radio talent.  But they talk entirely too much about the Cardinals, Women's golf and Women's basketball for me to keep my radio tuned in.

They have Mike Conley in a lot and he is a good listen.  But he doesn't get the same hate Marcus Monk gets for his son leaving the state.

Mike Sr & Jr were living in Indianapolis at the time.  That's a lot bit different than the Monks situation in that Marcus was on the UA payroll & they were living in NW Ark

[HawgAdvocate]

Mike Sr & Jr were living in Indianapolis at the time.  That's a lot bit different than the Monks situation in that Marcus was was on the UA payroll, & they were living in NW Ark thanks to boosters who helped in a number of ways.

FTFY

Favors were provided by Arkansas, however we want to spin it. Allegations of favors from Kentucky have been made. So it's a wash. Malik made his choice. On to the next one.

[ricepig]

FTFY

Favors were provided by Arkansas, however we want to spin it. Allegations of favors from Kentucky have been made. So it's a wash. Malik made his choice. On to the next one.

Yeah, but the biggest favor wasn't made.

[HawgAdvocate]

Yeah, but the biggest favor wasn't made.

And if it is true that an opportunity for Marcus was a deciding factor for Malik, I have to wonder why we couldn't offer something similar. Marcus won't be on the UK staff, right? So a coaching position wasn't the end all/be all. If he wants an opportunity to enhance his marketing/management/representation career, Coach A has the same agent at CAA that Cal has (Jimmy Sexton). CAA isn't exclusive to UK. Even then, why couldn't we ask Joe Johnson and his reps at EAG, to get involved?

[LR_Matt]

Y'all are kinda missing the point.... He didn't recruit those kids hard because MA knew he'd never get them, not because he was confident.....

[Sivad]

If CMA isn't recruiting hard, we need a new coach pronto.

Whether he is or whether he isn't - the results are the same - he is no good at it.

[HogBreath]

Whether he is or whether he isn't - the results are the same - he is no good at it.

I was always real concerned about his ability to recruit, even back in the Nolan days.

Nice guy though, no question about that.

[ricepig]

And if it is true that an opportunity for Marcus was a deciding factor for Malik, I have to wonder why we couldn't offer something similar. Marcus won't be on the UK staff, right? So a coaching position wasn't the end all/be all. If he wants an opportunity to enhance his marketing/management/representation career, Coach A has the same agent at CAA that Cal has (Jimmy Sexton). CAA isn't exclusive to UK. Even then, why couldn't we ask Joe Johnson and his reps at EAG, to get involved?

Because he put Thurman in that position, I have no idea on the rest of your reasons, you can ask Marcus, or Mike.

[HoopS]

Here is the thing, if he did recruit them hard, and could not get them to sign, that is a problem. If he did not recruit them hard or much at all, that too is a problem. Both options are highly troublesome.

not really. Signing Monk would have ultimately gotten us into trouble. Glad he's gone. Marcus should stay in Kentucky with him.

Even if Mike leaves and even if Cal leaves, I don't want any part of that group.

[HawgAdvocate]

Because he put Thurman in that position, I have no idea on the rest of your reasons, you can ask Marcus, or Mike.

Scotty was brought in roughly seven months before Coach A was even hired, and three years before Marcus was given a GA position. Arkansas created the position for Scotty, and they could have done something similar for Marcus if they really wanted to. There are a multitude of ways Arkansas could have hooked Marcus up, IF that's what really mattered to Malik.

The question is, did we try and come up with anything this past summer/fall?

[HawgAdvocate]

Signing Monk would have ultimately gotten us into trouble.

Why?

[HoopS]

Why?

no thanks

[Hogimus Prime]

Mike is like Nolan in letting the top talent get out of state except for a couple of kids

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Maybe you can't blame Mike for not getting Monk, but you sure can blame him for not trying harder on a crap ton of other players. If he had been doing his job, the loss of Portis and Qualls would not have killed this team the way it did.

I meant you can't blame MA for holding a grudge.
As for not blaming him for successfully recruiting Monk?
Well, maybe that also.
Sounds like it was a stacked deck.
However, that doesn't excuse him not recruiting others successfully.

[HogBreath]

Why?

Winning lots of games, creating high expectations...then poof, after only 1 season, he's outta here, on to the NBA!

Which of course, no one could have expected to happen.  Kinda like that whole Portis situation.

[ricepig]

Scotty was brought in roughly seven months before Coach A was even hired, and three years before Marcus was given a GA position. Arkansas created the position for Scotty, and they could have done something similar for Marcus if they really wanted to. There are a multitude of ways Arkansas could have hooked Marcus up, IF that's what really mattered to Malik.

The question is, did we try and come up with anything this past summer/fall?

First, it didn't matter to Malik, it mattered to Marcus, and no, he wasn't going to "create" a new job.

[Wild Bill Hog]

Wasn't this also something said about Nolan?

Nolan did not recruit Ronnie Brewer.