Hogs to host Mladen Armus, Gabe Osabuohien, Avery Benson tomorrow, Thurs., 04/20

Kevin McPherson · April 19, 2017, 11:24:21 pm

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854904725577375745

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854910119020199936

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 12:59:19 am

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854935417212342272

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854936050984263680

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854936552757223426

Razorod · April 20, 2017, 06:13:43 am

Thanks for the updates! Will definitely be interesting to see what transpires here.

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 07:50:08 am

Mladen!

Glad to see the staff bringing him in for a visit. I think once you get past Amauri Hardy, we're talking about all guys who might or might not do anything of note in a Razorback uniform. I'm intrigued by Osabuohein, though. Trying to get a read on how good he is.

The_Iceman · April 20, 2017, 08:19:48 am

Some videos of Mladen:

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854124020656205825

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854131495325376513

Doesn't look very explosive, but he has great footwork around the goal and good passing skills. Not sure about his jump shot.

Are we looking at another Billy Pharis or Alonzo Lane type?

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 08:20:33 am

Quote from: Hawg Red on April 20, 2017, 07:50:08 am
Mladen!

Glad to see the staff bringing him in for a visit. I think once you get past Amauri Hardy, we're talking about all guys who might or might not do anything of note in a Razorback uniform. I'm intrigued by Osabuohein, though. Trying to get a read on how good he is.

I want to be very clear so that folks don't think these guys are being brought in as a last resort. Shakwon Barrett was slated to visit April 17-18 (Mon and Tues of this week) PRIOR to Hardy's visit being set for the weekend (April 14-15), and these 3 SCA guys were invited to come at the same time as Barrett's visit. Problem was, Memphis, Iowa State, Little Rock, South Florida, ORU, Murray State had ALL scheduled visits at SCA Mon-Wed of this week, so the Hogs (who have seen these guys at least 6 times already) are finally getting them in today.

Basically, I've known about this trip for over a week but sat on it until it was clear exactly what day they would be going up on The Hill.

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 08:39:47 am

Quote from: The_Iceman on April 20, 2017, 08:19:48 am
Some videos of Mladen:

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854124020656205825

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/854131495325376513

Doesn't look very explosive, but he has great footwork around the goal and good passing skills. Not sure about his jump shot.

Are we looking at another Billy Pharis or Alonzo Lane type?

He has a solid jumper. I think he'd be a good reserve big man off the bench.

The_Iceman · April 20, 2017, 08:40:23 am

Quote from: HOGdayafternoon on April 20, 2017, 08:20:33 am
I want to be very clear so that folks don't think these guys are being brought in as a last resort. Shakwon Barrett was slated to visit April 17-18 (Mon and Tues of this week) PRIOR to Hardy's visit being set for the weekend (April 14-15), and these 3 SCA guys were invited to come at the same time as Barrett's visit. Problem was, Memphis, Iowa State, Little Rock, South Florida, ORU, Murray State had ALL scheduled visits at SCA Mon-Wed of this week, so the Hogs (who have seen these guys at least 6 times already) are finally getting them in today.

Basically, I've known about this trip for over a week but sat on it until it was clear exactly what day they would be going up on The Hill.

How good is Benson? Are he and Armus scholarship quality?

The_Iceman · April 20, 2017, 08:40:55 am

Quote from: Hawg Red on April 20, 2017, 08:39:47 am
He has a solid jumper. I think he'd be a good reserve big man off the bench.

Gafford will need a backup center after next season.

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 08:43:49 am

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 08:47:56 am

Quote from: HOGdayafternoon on April 20, 2017, 08:20:33 am
I want to be very clear so that folks don't think these guys are being brought in as a last resort. Shakwon Barrett was slated to visit April 17-18 (Mon and Tues of this week) PRIOR to Hardy's visit being set for the weekend (April 14-15), and these 3 SCA guys were invited to come at the same time as Barrett's visit. Problem was, Memphis, Iowa State, Little Rock, South Florida, ORU, Murray State had ALL scheduled visits at SCA Mon-Wed of this week, so the Hogs (who have seen these guys at least 6 times already) are finally getting them in today.

Basically, I've known about this trip for over a week but sat on it until it was clear exactly what day they would be going up on The Hill.

I agree. I don't think we've hit "last resort" territory yet. The staff has been evaluating the SCA kids all year, and if Barrett is good enough (conditionally) for Michigan, he's good enough for me. Along with Hardy, I think they'd all be worthy of the last spot to varying degrees.

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 08:53:37 am

Quote from: Hawg Red on April 20, 2017, 07:50:08 am
I'm intrigued by Osabuohein, though. Trying to get a read on how good he is.

Quote from: The_Iceman on April 20, 2017, 08:40:23 am
How good is Benson? Are he and Armus scholarship quality?

I just posted a bunch of highlights ITT from earlier in the week to give you guys some idea of what these players bring to the table.

I think all 4 -- Mladen, Gabe, and Benson (seniors) and Shakur Daniel (junior) -- can play high-major. I think Benson may need some time to get to that level, but I know some high-majors are interested. Gabe and Mladen may end up mid-major, but I think both can play high-major. Daniel to me is the most sure-fire high-major talent, but we'll see what happens as he has another year -- he's playing with Pro Skills (TX) Elite 17U on Nike EYBL this spring/summer, and is already getting a lot of high-major interest.

FineAsSwine · April 20, 2017, 10:10:10 am

Quote from: HOGdayafternoon on April 20, 2017, 08:53:37 am
I just posted a bunch of highlights ITT from earlier in the week to give you guys some idea of what these players bring to the table.

I think all 4 -- Mladen, Gabe, and Benson (seniors) and Shakur Daniel (junior) -- can play high-major. I think Benson may need some time to get to that level, but I know some high-majors are interested. Gabe and Mladen may end up mid-major, but I think both can play high-major. Daniel to me is the most sure-fire high-major talent, but we'll see what happens as he has another year -- he's playing with Pro Skills (TX) Elite 17U on Nike EYBL this spring/summer, and is already getting a lot of high-major interest.

Are the Hogs recruiting Daniel?

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 10:23:24 am

Quote from: FineAsSwine on April 20, 2017, 10:10:10 am
Are the Hogs recruiting Daniel?

I'm not speaking for the staff here, just my personal observation: No, Hogs are not focused on him because they were trying to add a PG late for '17, and w/Justice Hill committed and on the way in either '18 or '19, it appears as though they are looking at wings, combo forwards, and bigs to round out the '18 class.

So much hinges, too, on if Macon and/or Barford leave early as to what the Hogs might do next. IMO, Hogs should be all over Daniel. He and Justice are both facilitator-first PGs, but also they're different types of players who would give the Hogs depth and matchup-options at the 1. Especially if Macon and Barford return, finishing '17 w/a combo-4 (Gabe) or a 4/5 (Mladen) would allow Hogs to add a PG (Daniel?) and a wing (DJ Weaver?) to round out '18. Even if Justice reclassifies and comes in mid-term (Dec 2018/Jan 2019), Arkansas would have time to make the numbers work.

ShadowHawg · April 20, 2017, 10:55:01 am

Armus has good footwork but it's so slow. No explosion. Reminds me a lot of Shawn Davis and some guys I played juco with back in the day. They can't take all of them so I am curious about this visit for sure.

Are we trying to build good will with SCA? Not against it if we are. We did that with Day's step brother when Nolan was here and it helped open up Memphis.

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 11:54:15 am

Quote from: ShadowHawg on April 20, 2017, 10:55:01 am
Armus has good footwork but it's so slow. No explosion. Reminds me a lot of Shawn Davis and some guys I played juco with back in the day. They can't take all of them so I am curious about this visit for sure.

Are we trying to build good will with SCA? Not against it if we are. We did that with Day's step brother when Nolan was here and it helped open up Memphis.

Lot of good players coming through SCA. In the 2016 class, Eric Curry went on to sign with Minnesota and Tyrik Dixon (so underrated) was a helluva starting PG this year for MTSU, a kid that high-majors wish they had a do-over. All 3 of the SCA guys in Fayetteville today have drawn serious, consistent recruiting interest from multiple high-majors, so Arkansas is only doing what it should by giving these guys multiple looks, too. I think Gabe is the best system fit of the group, but I'm just not sure where the rubber meets the road with the staff in sorting out system fit, needs, best available, and scholarship numbers (still don't know about Macon and Barford).

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 12:24:58 pm

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/855107762757545984

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 12:40:57 pm

LSU hired Benford? Crap.

ShadowHawg · April 20, 2017, 12:41:28 pm

Quote from: HOGdayafternoon on April 20, 2017, 11:54:15 am
Lot of good players coming through SCA. In the 2016 class, Eric Curry went on to sign with Minnesota and Tyrik Dixon (so underrated) was a helluva starting PG this year for MTSU, a kid that high-majors wish they had a do-over. All 3 of the SCA guys in Fayetteville today have drawn serious, consistent recruiting interest from multiple high-majors, so Arkansas is only doing what it should by giving these guys multiple looks, too. I think Gabe is the best system fit of the group, but I'm just not sure where the rubber meets the road with the staff in sorting out system fit, needs, best available, and scholarship numbers (still don't know about Macon and Barford).

I am most curious about how many they are hosting. I trust our staff on evaluating talent even if I am not sold. Certainly a lot of talent at SCA.

Dwight_K_Shrute · April 20, 2017, 12:42:37 pm

Quote from: HOGdayafternoon on April 20, 2017, 11:54:15 am
Lot of good players coming through SCA. In the 2016 class, Eric Curry went on to sign with Minnesota and Tyrik Dixon (so underrated) was a helluva starting PG this year for MTSU, a kid that high-majors wish they had a do-over. All 3 of the SCA guys in Fayetteville today have drawn serious, consistent recruiting interest from multiple high-majors, so Arkansas is only doing what it should by giving these guys multiple looks, too. I think Gabe is the best system fit of the group, but I'm just not sure where the rubber meets the road with the staff in sorting out system fit, needs, best available, and scholarship numbers (still don't know about Macon and Barford).

That's the thing, since they have until what May 24th to return to school it really hamstrings the program in terms of recruiting.

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 12:48:14 pm

Quote from: Dwight_K_Shrute on April 20, 2017, 12:42:37 pm
That's the thing, since they have until what May 24th to return to school it really hamstrings the program in terms of recruiting.

Most kids returning to school will have announced their withdraw before the 24th since the NBA Draft Combine is from May 9-14. We'll see a lot of kids pull out of the draft in about 2 weeks. I'm not saying that's when we'll know about Macon or Barford, but I'd suspect we know probably around that time. Moses Kingsley announced he was coming back to school last year on May 9, two days before the NBA Draft combine, FWIW.

JenksHawg · April 20, 2017, 01:17:10 pm

Quote from: The_Iceman on April 20, 2017, 08:40:23 am
How good is Benson? Are he and Armus scholarship quality?

From seeing him at Real Deal, Benson is not even close to being scholarship worthy - I would assume a throw in for this visit since his teammates are coming.

NWAHog479 · April 20, 2017, 01:33:33 pm

Benson played at Siloam Springs and Harber so he's familiar with Fayetteville already. I don't think he's worthy of a scholarship from Arkansas, but might be a solid walk-on addition. He can definitely play smaller D1 and I'm sure he'll get an offer from at least one big D1 school. Glad they're getting a chance to make it up on the Hill, seem like good kids.

Hogberry Snortcake · April 20, 2017, 01:53:06 pm

Quote from: NWAHog479 on April 20, 2017, 01:33:33 pm
Benson played at Siloam Springs and Harber so he's familiar with Fayetteville already. I don't think he's worthy of a scholarship from Arkansas, but might be a solid walk-on addition. He can definitely play smaller D1 and I'm sure he'll get an offer from at least one big D1 school. Glad they're getting a chance to make it up on the Hill, seem like good kids.

Was he (Benson) not mentioned as the possible quality walk-on prospect? Or was that pure speculation?

Hawg Red · April 20, 2017, 02:01:23 pm

Quote from: Hogberry Snortcake on April 20, 2017, 01:53:06 pm
Was he (Benson) not mentioned as the possible quality walk-on prospect? Or was that pure speculation?

I haven't seen anything other than speculation. Having originated from the area and the rumblings of Glasper moving to a lower classification have made him a popular theory. Personally, I don't see it happening. I think he'll land a mid-major.

NWAHog479 · April 20, 2017, 02:14:45 pm

Quote from: Hogberry Snortcake on April 20, 2017, 01:53:06 pm
Was he (Benson) not mentioned as the possible quality walk-on prospect? Or was that pure speculation?

Speculation. When Kevin Tweeted about a potential walk-on that will "excite" the fanbase he was just a name that a lot of us threw out there.

Dwight_K_Shrute · April 20, 2017, 03:14:57 pm

In regards to walking on, I wonder if the staff may be telling the kids from Arkansas, we have 1 available scholarship right now but we want you & you & you. Commit and at worst you will be a preferred walk on this year and on scholarship next year. If Barford and/or Macon do not come back we will put you on scholarship immediately.

The_Iceman · April 20, 2017, 03:29:22 pm

Quote from: JenksHawg on April 20, 2017, 01:17:10 pm
From seeing him at Real Deal, Benson is not even close to being scholarship worthy - I would assume a throw in for this visit since his teammates are coming.

Thanks for the assessment. Short clips don't give the whole picture sometimes.

Hogberry Snortcake · April 20, 2017, 04:31:00 pm

Quote from: Hawg Red on April 20, 2017, 02:01:23 pm
I haven't seen anything other than speculation. Having originated from the area and the rumblings of Glasper moving to a lower classification have made him a popular theory. Personally, I don't see it happening. I think he'll land a mid-major.

Gotcha. Thanks. I vaguely remembered it being mentioned but not much else.

Kevin McPherson · April 20, 2017, 04:57:02 pm

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/855176302734827521

hawkhawg · April 20, 2017, 11:18:36 pm

The thing that I think is the biggest positive with these guys is that everyday they are playing with and practicing against D1 talent. Armus is going against a guy that is bigger then him in practice everyday. (Their other center signed with ORU)

Hogs49ers · April 21, 2017, 05:36:27 pm

Hey Kevin, are any of these guys on the verge of receiving some major D1 offers?

Hawg Red · April 21, 2017, 05:49:11 pm

I saw Gabe picked up an offer from ETSU. Very good mid-major program.

Kevin McPherson · April 24, 2017, 11:16:28 pm

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/856721626133606401

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/856723439884828672

https://twitter.com/GO22_LT/status/856617338933846016

https://twitter.com/GO22_LT/status/855460226526461953

Hogs to host Mladen Armus, Gabe Osabuohien, Avery Benson tomorrow, Thurs., 04/20

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