aloha means goodbye
By Jeff
well, all good things must come to an end. With recruting season just about over, and the basketball banquet thursday night, its time to say goodbye to this year's edition of hoopstalk. Its been a blast.
I have tried to keep the blog current, fun, and fair. I know that some of my opinions and comments were not universally accepted, but i never claimed i would be a total " homer". What i strived to do was give you my thoughts and invite you to weigh in. I almost never censored any response, no matter how critical, so long as it was not personal.
Tonight, Jackson and i completed our last Hoopstalk radio show. A show dedicated to reviewing hawaii's recruting class. First, i want to thank Gib for breaking away from his daughter's birthday dinner to participate. Secondly, Jackson and I tried to give you a balanced opinion on each recruit based upon national recruting services and contacts in the coaching community. Did we provide the negatives along with the positives. yes, and i would hope you would expect no less.
My final grade for this year's class is a b- with a potential to be a b+ depending upon who makes their grades, etc.. I think its a solid class with significant upside potential. Are there things that each recruit needs to improve on. Yes. Are there legitimate issues with one or two based upon past history. i believe so. But give Gib and staff lots of credit for their tireless recruting efforts. And in the final analysis, my opinion is just that. Gib and his staff believe they have a very good class, and have the first hand knowledge to make their opinions the most important ones. In the end however, all that matters is how well these recruits play come next November. There are several big holes to fill, and they will need to hit the floor running.
It was a very good year for Hawaii basketball. 19 wins, post season, renewed excitement leading to more butts in seats, all made for a fun year. And now its time to get Gib a contract with a salary and term committment that reflects the success of this year.
For the final time, i want to thank all of you who took the time to read the blog, provide comments ( pro and con), and stopped me on the street to tell me how much you appreciated the blog.
Hopefully Hoopstalk will be back next October. I want to thank the paper for the opportunity. ALOHA.
Hoops Talk
April 20th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
thanks Jeff for keeping us entertained and informed this season. I always enjoy hearing you on the radio and hopefully you and Jackson come back when the season starts!
April 20th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
thanks jeff.
April 20th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Meant to tune in to hoopstalk tonight, but circumstances changed and I missed it. Can anyone (Jeff?) recap Jeff and Jackson's assessment of UH's recruits and anything new that Gib might have shared? If can, can; if no can, no can.
April 21st, 2011 at 2:08 am
Jackson reiterated his earlier season comment that the team needs starters -- last year Gib had three starters in place, this year he only has two (Vander & Zane); he doesn't see Brereton as Ready-to-Replace Bill Amis -- GIB thinks he's a Big Get, but Jackson doesn't think the size need is addressed -- 6-7 is not likely to Lead WAC in blocks (like Amis) [but from his videos, he also looks faster and more active (if that's possible)]
Jackson noted that DeShawn Mitchell was a big-time scorer and potential immediate impact player ...
Guy -- BELOW Re-Submitted (From 4-19 as 4-20 didn't come up on my computer...)
Jackson & Jeff: THANKS For One More FINAL Show ...
My Notes for Your Transcripts of "FINAL" Hoops Talk Recruiting Show
[MY Commentary in Brackets]
Jackson & Jeff Reviewing Recruits with GIB (who was calling from the Parking Lot of Haleiwa Joe's (Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe):
On Scouting Reports in General: Gib: "I listen to a different group (of scouts) [he rattled off a few names] -- and i go look myself -- i've seen these guys several times...."
Re: Point Guard Recruiting (which has been a "frequent" recurring topic in blogs): "Have either of you ever seen Gerry Blakes play ? (ANS: NO). I think Blakes is The Best Point Guard in Los Angeles and i've seen them all the way back to Baron Davis (he's not up to that level); it doesn't make ANY sense to me to bring in JC point guards when your freshman pg is already better... and he can finish and attack the hoop. IF we had not signed him early (in the early signing period) we'd be fighting off USC, Arizona, UCLA and a bunch of others, who've all been calling Blakes' coach asking 'this commitment?, is it a verbal or did he Really Sign ?'"
RE: Forward Dillon Biggs: Gib named a famous & successful former D-1 coach who alerted him, 'Have you seen this Dorsey High kid? You don't need to see him, just sign him right now, he is a future "Pro". Gib continued, "I went to watch him and i was blown away." [Note: Videos such as @ Dayton's Warrior Insider ARE impressive -- like a much faster & more skilled Vander]
Re: DeShawn Mitchell: "I've talked to the coaches i've known a long time at Oak Hill and UNLV and none of them had anything bad to say regarding DeShawn not being a hard worker or a bad team mate... he got into an issue with his coach (@ Snow College) who kicked him off of the team and he got advice from some adults (e.g., his parents) who told him to just do his school work and finish the school year ... i might have given him different advice: to get on his knees and resolve the issue with his coach to get back on the team... He's NOT as big a risk as others i've signed and maybe not as much upside..." [since he doesn't yet play defense]
On additional scholarship and European players: The European players won't even take their SAT exams 'til June and (when they qualify) they'll come over without signing anything [similar to what VB coach Charlie Wade was saying last night RE: his Hot German recruit(s)]; so for now, you could say we're focusing on the ones (recruits) where we need to get signatures and fight off everyone else..."
For The NEXT Team RE: Hitting the Floor Running:
IF GIB Gets the Asia (China-Japan) Trip Going with All the Summer Session Players (including the New Recruits) -- We likely will see them hit the floor running -- Fast Start, Fast Transitions, Fast Finishes ...
April 21st, 2011 at 5:07 am
Thanks for sharing your passion Jeff.
April 21st, 2011 at 8:45 am
Thanks Jeff. Hope to see Hoops Talk radio show and blog soon enough, yes?
Take care.
April 21st, 2011 at 9:07 am
Jeff, in grading this class a B- are you comparing this class to others who have signed with Hawaii in the past, compared to other WAC classes, on a National level including BCS schools, or just what you think is possible for this program.
April 21st, 2011 at 9:19 am
good job, jeff!
point guard, please!!!
April 21st, 2011 at 9:33 am
Mahalo Jeff & Jackson! Love hearing your opinions and for saying it like it is and not just politically acceptable mumbo jumbo. I give credit to Coach Gib and impressed with his passion and positive beliefs, and that he doesn't see recruiting to Hawaii an obstacle. Please come back next season, even sooner would be better, and share more of your thoughts.
April 21st, 2011 at 9:46 am
I listened to your final show and found it to be sloppy at best, and at worst, unfair. Overall, it was a bit offensive.
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and just say that you and your cohort's legwork was sloppy, as I assume it is not your intent of the show to mislead.
I'll take the example of your recitation of the prospects for Dillon Biggs.
With regard to this prospect, you read on the air, the ESPN rating guidelines - as they list it - and you underscore the fact that this kid got a 80 or an 81 rating which apparently puts him at the level of having the possibility of eventually being a contributing role player at the mid-major level. In view of this rating, and the comments that were contained on the page, then you both concluded that he is a marginal prospect who had no better offers.
What you conveniently leave out is that this evaluation was made LAST SUMMER - before he even played this year, and doesn't take into consideration what he did, and how much he has improved this year.
How, and why would you not mention that? Would you not think that that point is relevant?
I suppose you aren't a basketball guy - so perhaps that can be understood - but why wouldn't Jackson Wheeler not have mentioned that?
Remarkable.
Moreover, the overall negative tone of the show from you and your cohort who was fired from the last regime smacks of resentment and sour grapes.
A recrut or a recruit's parent who heard these comments would certainly be disheartened. But if you mentioned that these comments were coming from the guy who will be doing your color commentary for your basketball games next year, that would be alarming.
That the only sports radio station in town would counteance having an assistant coach who was fired from the last regime man the airwaves and take pop shots and second guess the new regime who replaced him, boggles the mind.
That the show's main host is the current basketball program's color man, takes this whole scenario into the twilight zone.
You call it journalistic integrity; a non-kool aide zone, as it were.
I see it more as getting close to a conflict of interest.
April 21st, 2011 at 11:37 am
Rainbow made some good comments, I don't think Portnoy had intentions to derail the new players , Portnoy is a longtime supporter of the men's program .
April 21st, 2011 at 12:11 pm
True, jjay. Rainbowforlife made a good rebuttle here . . . in doing so, he confirmed Portnoy's very different yet truthful (yes, truthful: 1. the truth hurts sometimes; 2. the truth is sometimes not readily visible to those who hear it) point-of-view.
Let's not forget that the team can also talk back to Portnoy and Wheeler (who, yes, based on his radio comments alone should no longer be wondering why he wasn't kept in Gibb's camp) when they see either of 'em at the Stan Sheriff, so, they should be ready to take the verbal volleys of Gibb and company as well.
April 21st, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Second JJAY and much of rainbowforlife (warriors?) comments:
To give a fair assessment REQUIRES more complete disclosure not just the appearance of balance; IF something IS GOOD, IT IS ... talking it down does not of itself provide any better Perspective, Factuality or Balance... [NOTE: Wm Shakespeare was also allowed to make up words...]
To Balance these comments, no one spoke over Coach Gib (honorable and respectful) and i don't sense Malice; smart University Presidents & Athletics Directors would never allow the outgoing coach to dictate the next selection (some are more concerned with boosting their own legacy than building a good program); however we know Coach Jackson and his heart & dedication of 20+ years (which even rivals Gib's building rep - we're lucky to have had the Rochas, O'Neills and Jacksons and Dixons, & Both Arnolds); i wouldn't throw the Conflict of Interest Flag in this case, but i would call for better research and homework; Gary (Dickman) backed up Jeff -- that he does his homework (maybe not because the foundation of being a basketball guy is missing -- i also would probably not come up with a good law review however hard i worked);
i'm one of those who regularly ask Jeff to recuse himself from the color position because i think that person ought to be "highly knowledgeable" as when Dick Tomey did football color; AND have suggested that Jackson has both the enthusiasm, heart for the program AND background knowledge to ADD to Bobby's [Disclosure: NOT Jackson's cousin or relative];
All That Said, i LIKE that Gib was ready to quote George Raveling ("that Dorsey kid (Biggs) is a future PRO" and point out that all that Discussion and All This Discussion wouldn't be available and Happening but for Jeff & Jackson's (AND Gib's) efforts ... So THANK YOU for All Working together with our baggage(s), suspicions, hurts & hearts and ...
GO 'BOWs !
[Go Warriors!?]
April 21st, 2011 at 3:54 pm
i have a hard time listening to people who critique a young man's abilities without having had a first hand look.
to go by scouting bureau's that are not accurate is ridiculous. the writers of these scouting services do not see the players in person but instead rely of hearsay.
i am glad that we have coaching staff that hits the road to watch and observe recruits in person and only rely on persons who know the game and talent levels out there.
all we can do is read the hype and then attend the games to witness the student/athletes. surely on paper these new recruits look to be of great quality. some come in with all the hype and accolades while others come in under the radar.
all i can further say is that we have never recruited to this level before where we are competing against some of the bigger schools than ever before. we actually have a waitlist of talented young men wanting to come to hawaii this year. this was never the case in year's past.
i trust that this staff has found a good mix of quality young men who are good students, athletes, and will become good alumni of this university who will represent us in the future as well.
can't wait for tipoff.
...nuff said.
April 21st, 2011 at 4:01 pm
although the better part of valour would be to not respond, i need to address some of the criticism leveled by one or two of you. First, dont blame me for the ESPN rankings. ESPN rates hundreds of players, and i quoted almost verbatim from the reports. If they were " outdated" or if ESPN thought there was a need to " update", i assume the " Worldwide Leader " would have done so.
Next, I acknowledged many times last night and througout the recruting process that Gib and the staff are the best source of the quality of the recruits. But that doesnt mean analysis by ESPN and others shouldnt be discussed.
Yes, i am privlledged to do color for basketball, and I have been doing it for 16 years. I may not have played formal basketball after 8th grade,but that doesnt mean i dont know and understand the game. I have seen personally more than 5oo college basketball games, know and have discussed basketball with some of the greatest coaches in the game, have attended coaching clinics and camps, and have coached youth basketball. Does that make me an " expert". Probably not, nor do i want to be. What i try to do in the broadcasts is bring to the listeners what i am seeing on the court and raise the same issues i might as a fan if i was seating in the stands. I guess i must be doing something right since i have had the job for almost two decades. Do Bobby and I always agree. Of course not, and I would hope the listeners wouldnt want that. Does that make one of us " wrong"? No, it suggests that there can be more than one view or opinion that has merit.
I understand my role and responsibilities as a " home-town" broadcaster. But i have also always tried to be honest with my " color", even if , on occasion, it was critical. I know some of you dont want to hear anything but " good news", but i know the majority of you appreciate some balance.
Regarding my recruiting grade of B-, I actually said B- to B+, depending on who actually enrolls. I also said this class has a big upside, but there are weaknesses that will need to be addressed. If some of you see that as anti " Gib", i cant help that. I will tell you, however, that I consider Gib to be a friend and i have given 38 years to UH basketball as a fan, broadcaster, financial supporter, and fund raiser. My recruting grade, by the way, is based upon what i believe to be the recruiting realities of UH. It is based. in part, on prior classes, and how competitive i believe the class is compared to other schools in the conference. It is my opinion, simply that.
Anyway, If we all always agreed, it wouldnt be fun being as fan. Have a great summer. See you in the fall
April 21st, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Wow. It was a simple request to recap the show, and created quite a firestorm. But it's all healthy give-and-take. Thanks to Eagle, rainbowforlife, Jeff for your comments. It's just one highlight video, but Biggs' skill sure impressed me. On one dribble drive, he went left handed the whole way (dribble and finish); you wouldn't know he was right-handed! And unlike recruits in the past, most of this incoming class (again, based on highlight videos) can slash, drive AND finish -- like Flemings, but with better handles. Now can the staff get the newcomers to buy into playing defense, and how will an upgrade in talent impact team chemistry? Should be interesting.
April 21st, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Mahalo and Aloha till Octtober Jeff.
April 22nd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Thanks Jeff and Mahalo to others for their insight!
April 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 am
Jeff and Jackson the odd couple? great show !!!jackson has strong opinions u would think somebody in hawaii would like to him have doing something in high school ,small college wasted talent Hope trevor, vander,josten and bobby hit the weights and get get better as far espn ratings what were the ratings for last years crop salter, colman , barnes etc..did it match the expectations jeffp maybe u should help the NFL negotiations or NBA labor probelms next year go two hours on hoopstalk aloha