Class of 2025 SF Aaron Womack (WI) COMMITTED & SIGNED TO SYRACUSE (9/30/24)

[M2MPrinciples]

We'll see! Who knows, maybe by next summer we won't have a spot for him or he'll want to go somewhere he can play more.

 

[dasher]

Okay, there is no connection to us not getting anyone with us taking this kid. We have had our eye on him for a while. Thought Marq might offer and if they did, we didn't want to spend the effort recruiting him because he would go there. They didn't. We pounced. Now, the good news is that he can shoot. And that he is probably still growing. His dad is 6'8. And he has grown 3 inches in the last year. He needs to get stronger but he could see some time next year because he can shoot. He isn't a 5 star recruit. But, he didn't cost a lot either. This has nothing to do with Anthony. I expect us to sign him. Guys, it's okay to get guys like this.

 

[dasher]

Not sure how accurate this is but I heard the staff has had quite a few visitors over the last few weeks with only White and Smith being publicly known ahead of time.

Seems like this guy was one.

He was. He was at the football game

 

[Jcuse_44]

Wait, he doesn't have 4 stars? He must be trash. People are pretty hilarious with their reactions on here. Take a breath y'all.

 

[zilo]

Welcome to cuse Aaron...happy to have you. The class of 2025 has turned into the class that almost was. Love Sidiq and Kiyan, but we pushed for some serious talent outside of those 2 (Cenac, Jamison, Frost, Abaev, Lewis, Tillery, ect) and fell short. I'm assuming Red will push for high level transfers next year and hoping for an even stronger class of 2026 (Rippey, Smith Jr Hopefully). Excited for this year and I'm expecting to make the big dance with Donny Freebird and Big Lamp! CUSEEEEEEEE

 

[RF2044]

Okay, there is no connection to us not getting anyone with us taking this kid. We have had our eye on him for a while. Thought Marq might offer and if they did, we didn't want to spend the effort recruiting him because he would go there. They didn't. We pounced. Now, the good news is that he can shoot. And that he is probably still growing. His dad is 6'8. And he has grown 3 inches in the last year. He needs to get stronger but he could see some time next year because he can shoot. He isn't a 5 star recruit. But, he didn't cost a lot either. This has nothing to do with Anthony. I expect us to sign him. Guys, it's okay to get guys like this.

That type of growth spurt might explain the level / caliber of offers.

A 6-2 shooting guard is different than a 6-5 guy who might still be growing.

 

[Niastri]

That type of growth spurt might explain the level / caliber of offers.

A 6-2 shooting guard is different than a 6-5 guy who might still be growing.

Guys often get clumsy for a while after growing three inches so quickly. It can make guys look less athletic while they are figuring things out.

At this point, when your first 3 options go elsewhere, you take your fourth option if you like him.

I'm curious to see if we still can get Abaev or if we're actually out.

It's starting to feel like rooting for the Kansas City Royals, when we're constantly hearing we can't compete in NIL.

 

[CuseMan4]

For a comparison, this kid plays very similar to Bell. Bell is a couple inches taller. But their games are very similar. Strong shooters, athletic, needed time in weight room, rebounding is not a strong suit. Womack will be playing the 2-3. Bell is a 3-4 but style of play, strengths and weaknesses are VERY similar

 

[atlanticuse]

I'm wondering if our thinking is...
1. We can develop him, he'll stick around, he won't leave after one year, -OR-
2. He'll develop in 1-2 years, then bolt for more NIL cash elsewhere (see: Maliq)

 

[MikeSU02]

First, all for taking a flyer with a kid that may need time to develop if he has some upside and some core skills. Have the schollies, use them.

But let's all be very real - even if this kid was a take, having him be the SF we land without Shon, Frost or Jemison is not good.

I don't want to hear about the portal. We have no proof we can land a high profile guy unless there are significant extenuating circumstances.

No Shon, Frost, Jemison, Tillery or Acaden.

Nothing against this kid, because I don't mind the take - you have schollies, use them like I said. But don't try to tell me Red is killing it. Don't tell me how tall this kid's dad is. There is some serious copium going on in this thread. Winners get it done.

We have to hope to make the tourney this year. And as of now, that is what we're looking at again for a benchmark next year.

And I will re-state: I don't mind taking a chance on this kid. But miss me with all the other stuff.

 

[JarHeadJim]

Okay, there is no connection to us not getting anyone with us taking this kid. We have had our eye on him for a while. Thought Marq might offer and if they did, we didn't want to spend the effort recruiting him because he would go there. They didn't. We pounced. Now, the good news is that he can shoot. And that he is probably still growing. His dad is 6'8. And he has grown 3 inches in the last year. He needs to get stronger but he could see some time next year because he can shoot. He isn't a 5 star recruit. But, he didn't cost a lot either. This has nothing to do with Anthony. I expect us to sign him. Guys, it's okay to get guys like this.

 

[DilemaCuse]

We take this verbal with the understanding we can still take Abaev, retain Bell for another year, or have to get a veteran SF from the portal

 

[littlereg]

So

Okay, there is no connection to us not getting anyone with us taking this kid. We have had our eye on him for a while. Thought Marq might offer and if they did, we didn't want to spend the effort recruiting him because he would go there. They didn't. We pounced. Now, the good news is that he can shoot. And that he is probably still growing. His dad is 6'8. And he has grown 3 inches in the last year. He needs to get stronger but he could see some time next year because he can shoot. He isn't a 5 star recruit. But, he didn't cost a lot either. This has nothing to do with Anthony. I expect us to sign him. Guys, it's okay to get guys like this.

so is Abaev still on the table?

 

[RF2044]

First, all for taking a flyer with a kid that may need time to develop if he has some upside and some core skills. Have the schollies, use them.

But let's all be very real - even if this kid was a take, having him be the SF we land without Shon, Frost or Jemison is not good.

I don't want to hear about the portal. We have no proof we can land a high profile guy unless there are significant extenuating circumstances.

No Shon, Frost, Jemison, Tillery or Acaden.

Nothing against this kid, because I don't mind the take - you have schollies, use them like I said. But don't try to tell me Red is killing it. Don't tell me how tall this kid's dad is. There is some serious copium going on in this thread. Winners get it done.

We have to hope to make the tourney this year. And as of now, that is what we're looking at again for a benchmark next year.

And I will re-state: I don't mind taking a chance on this kid. But miss me with all the other stuff.

I think this is fair.

I do view Womack as a "take" as slightly different than the other issue, which can't be denied. We missed out on all of our top prospects at PG and SF. That's bad, and can't be spun positively.

It overlaps with Womack, if you consider him a Plan D. Alternatively, he might have the goods, and be a quality fall back option who isn't a "settle." Time will tell [and i haven't seen enough film to form any informed judgement].

But the misses on the recruiting trail with several high-profile prospects can't be disputed.

 

[SUOrangeSU]

First, all for taking a flyer with a kid that may need time to develop if he has some upside and some core skills. Have the schollies, use them.

But let's all be very real - even if this kid was a take, having him be the SF we land without Shon, Frost or Jemison is not good.

I don't want to hear about the portal. We have no proof we can land a high profile guy unless there are significant extenuating circumstances.

No Shon, Frost, Jemison, Tillery or Acaden.

Nothing against this kid, because I don't mind the take - you have schollies, use them like I said. But don't try to tell me Red is killing it. Don't tell me how tall this kid's dad is. There is some serious copium going on in this thread. Winners get it done.

We have to hope to make the tourney this year. And as of now, that is what we're looking at again for a benchmark next year.

And I will re-state: I don't mind taking a chance on this kid. But miss me with all the other stuff.

Take a breathe man. So retaining Bell and adding Davis and Taylor wasnt quality to you for portal activity while only have one slot to really “sell” because Donnie has the 4 locked locked locked up

 

[MikeSU02]

Take a breathe man. So retaining Bell and adding Davis and Taylor wasnt quality to you for portal activity while only have one slot to really “sell” because Donnie has the 4 locked locked locked up

I am going to say this again so people don't think I'm a hater - I have loved Red since he was in high school. I cannot stress how much I want him to succeed.

But here is my point: I'm done convincing myself that we still have a legit chance at being a second tier elite team anymore or that it's in our near future. And that is my expectation for Syracuse because that is what I grew up with.

I get that this is not all Red's fault. I get that he has to build up out of the muck. I get what JB left him with.

And if we are the team that is just happy making the tournament and that's what the majority of the fan base is good with, I'll shut up.

But I don't think it is. And I do not find it acceptable that Davis and Taylor are who we got. I do not find it acceptable that we missed on Acaden, Tillery (and even worse if we were never in it), Jemison, Shon and Strong. I don't. If I am being unfair, I get it. I'm just a fan. Who cares what I think, ya know? And I'm saying that seriously with no snark. If we can't sell Syracuse because we got one top ten kid (who is, to be very clear, not on the top tier level of the other top players like Flagg, Harper, Edgecomb), then let's just pack it in for ever being elite.

But I don't want to hear how if 7 things happen right for this kid, he may be good for us. I want to get great players and then if this kid hits, it just puts us over the top.

I love this team. I love the school. I love Red. I will convince myself that this Womack kid will hit a growth spurt and end up our DerMarr Johnson because I am insane. But right now, in a sober time of assessment and reflection, no way.

 

[DilemaCuse]

I am going to say this again so people don't think I'm a hater - I have loved Red since he was in high school. I cannot stress how much I want him to succeed.

But here is my point: I'm done convincing myself that we still have a legit chance at being a second tier elite team anymore or that it's in our near future. And that is my expectation for Syracuse because that is what I grew up with.

I get that this is not all Red's fault. I get that he has to build up out of the muck. I get what JB left him with.

And if we are the team that is just happy making the tournament and that's what the majority of the fan base is good with, I'll shut up.

But I don't think it is. And I do not find it acceptable that Davis and Taylor are who we got. I do not find it acceptable that we missed on Acaden, Tillery (and even worse if we were never in it), Jemison, Shon and Strong. I don't. If I am being unfair, I get it. I'm just a fan. Who cares what I think, ya know? And I'm saying that seriously with no snark. If we can't sell Syracuse because we got one top ten kid (who is, to be very clear, not on the top tier level of the other top players like Flagg, Harper, Edgecomb), then let's just pack it in for ever being elite.

But I don't want to hear how if 7 things happen right for this kid, he may be good for us. I want to get great players and then if this kid hits, it just puts us over the top.

I love this team. I love the school. I love Red. I will convince myself that this Womack kid will hit a growth spurt and end up our DerMarr Johnson because I am insane. But right now, in a sober time of assessment and reflection, no way.

Yeah when looking back at the last 5 years, avg recruiting has led to average results

 

[tptcuse]

I am going to say this again so people don't think I'm a hater - I have loved Red since he was in high school. I cannot stress how much I want him to succeed.

But here is my point: I'm done convincing myself that we still have a legit chance at being a second tier elite team anymore or that it's in our near future. And that is my expectation for Syracuse because that is what I grew up with.

I get that this is not all Red's fault. I get that he has to build up out of the muck. I get what JB left him with.

And if we are the team that is just happy making the tournament and that's what the majority of the fan base is good with, I'll shut up.

But I don't think it is. And I do not find it acceptable that Davis and Taylor are who we got. I do not find it acceptable that we missed on Acaden, Tillery (and even worse if we were never in it), Jemison, Shon and Strong. I don't. If I am being unfair, I get it. I'm just a fan. Who cares what I think, ya know? And I'm saying that seriously with no snark. If we can't sell Syracuse because we got one top ten kid (who is, to be very clear, not on the top tier level of the other top players like Flagg, Harper, Edgecomb), then let's just pack it in for ever being elite.

But I don't want to hear how if 7 things happen right for this kid, he may be good for us. I want to get great players and then if this kid hits, it just puts us over the top.

I love this team. I love the school. I love Red. I will convince myself that this Womack kid will hit a growth spurt and end up our DerMarr Johnson because I am insane. But right now, in a sober time of assessment and reflection, no way.

This is a really good post. Now let's hope we can win enough games this year to convince more kids we can be what we used to be.

 

[orange79]

 

[SUOrangeSU]

I am going to say this again so people don't think I'm a hater - I have loved Red since he was in high school. I cannot stress how much I want him to succeed.

But here is my point: I'm done convincing myself that we still have a legit chance at being a second tier elite team anymore or that it's in our near future. And that is my expectation for Syracuse because that is what I grew up with.

I get that this is not all Red's fault. I get that he has to build up out of the muck. I get what JB left him with.

And if we are the team that is just happy making the tournament and that's what the majority of the fan base is good with, I'll shut up.

But I don't think it is. And I do not find it acceptable that Davis and Taylor are who we got. I do not find it acceptable that we missed on Acaden, Tillery (and even worse if we were never in it), Jemison, Shon and Strong. I don't. If I am being unfair, I get it. I'm just a fan. Who cares what I think, ya know? And I'm saying that seriously with no snark. If we can't sell Syracuse because we got one top ten kid (who is, to be very clear, not on the top tier level of the other top players like Flagg, Harper, Edgecomb), then let's just pack it in for ever being elite.

But I don't want to hear how if 7 things happen right for this kid, he may be good for us. I want to get great players and then if this kid hits, it just puts us over the top.

I love this team. I love the school. I love Red. I will convince myself that this Womack kid will hit a growth spurt and end up our DerMarr Johnson because I am insane. But right now, in a sober time of assessment and reflection, no way.

why don't we let the portal guys play first before you pass judgement on "they aren't acceptable". Why do you think a class full of freshmen is going to make leaps and bounds in today's ncaam? There's not many 18 and 19 years old who do well in this current environment against 24 years olds especially a team full of them. I'm bullish on HS recruits these days, you win with a mixture sure but also you're completely forgetting that while we may miss on these HS recruits, they might end up being here eventually later down the road.
You might be right on the portal guys, but let's see them play.

 

[RyanCuse44]

 

[PeteCalvin]

The only thing I’m a bit perturbed with is that, once again, we let some 18 year olds play us and waste our time. I thought we learned our lessons here, but guess not. Or there’s a bigger plan none of us are privy to. We should have had Frost in the fold when things looked dicey with options A and B.

The thing I’m happy about with this commitment is that the kid wants to be here, and there is a lot to be said for that in today’s college sports environment. As someone already said, you need committed program kids, and this one has upside. I think all the doom and gloom posts are because of how many times we’ve been burned by options A and B, but also having players who just aren’t ready for prime time as frosh or sophs. We’ve all swallowed too many of those pills over the years.

 

[Scott11]

Looking at this kid in a vacuum and not worrying about who we missed out on, I like it. The film is actually pretty impressive more so than some higher ranked guys who we have gotten in the past like Moyer and Jalen Carey, to name two, where when you watched the film, you wondered how they could be so highly ranked. We’ve done well with some under recruited guys, Moten and Joseph are two that come to mind, and it costs us nothing to take a chance with this guy. He has skills, I guess I’m in the vast minority but I’m excited with this surprise get.

 

[Scott11]

The only thing I’m a bit perturbed with is that, once again, we let some 18 year olds play us and waste our time. I thought we learned our lessons here, but guess not. Or there’s a bigger plan none of us are privy to. We should have had Frost in the fold when things looked dicey with options A and B.

The thing I’m happy about with this commitment is that the kid wants to be here, and there is a lot to be said for that in today’s college sports environment. As someone already said, you need committed program kids, and this one has upside. I think all the doom and gloom posts are because of how many times we’ve been burned by options A and B, but also having players who just aren’t ready for prime time as frosh or sophs. We’ve all swallowed too many of those pills over the years.

Frost played AAU and is tight with Brad Stevens’ kid and Stevens obviously coached Shrewsberry. That one is not on Red.

 

[Cappy3]

C’mon guys, this really seems like a desperation move. I’m not knocking the kid, he might develop into a usable piece in a couple years. But our primary targets were gonna play meaningful minutes from day 1. So it seems more a matter of well, we’ve gotta get a warm body here. Hard to believe our first 3 options were top 50 and then we sign a guy who isn’t top 300. Any way you cut it, it’s not something we need right now.