Class of 2018 SG Eric Ayala (DE/IMG) to Maryland

[RF2044]

Francis - just want to say thanks for all that you do - I know you don't hear it much - but really appreciate your info..

off the wall question - do you know if the staff would go JUCO to fill a guard slot?
we don't get many JUCO's - last I remember was KO

Not trying to answer for Francis, but I'd have to think that the staff needs to at least kick the tires on JUCOs. That route is not a traditional source of feeder for our program [I can only think of three off the top of my head going back more than 20 years -- Cipolla, Lloyd, and Onganeat], but we are in danger of not being able to field anywhere close to a full team next season due to attrition.

 

[Francis03]

Francis - just want to say thanks for all that you do - I know you don't hear it much - but really appreciate your info..

off the wall question - do you know if the staff would go JUCO to fill a guard slot?
we don't get many JUCO's - last I remember was KO

Appreciate the kind words. I think the staff is at a point where they can't leave any stone unturned. I mentioned on my pod last month that we have to evaluate all options such as Prep, 5th year, JUCO, International etc to find the best options available. Can't afford to just offer any and anybody just to fill a roster spot.

 

[20Plus]

Not sure that Ayala is really a point guard, but your main point is still valid.

Not sure that there are great alternatives at this point. Ayala reclassifying was a creative way to potentially solve an extremely problematic issue.

We need this to workout

 

[Whitey23]

 

[cuseinseattle]

Please make it so.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Captain obvious here but this would be beyond huge. We need at least 2 new guards for next year and I think Ayala is by far the best available from a highschool standpoint that is still available.

 

[Cusefan0307]

Can he play tomorrow night?

 

[Tony DeFranco]

Can he play tomorrow night?

Yes, he will play for Battle - just waiting to see if he has a friend that can take Howard's spot

 

[jordville]

Yes, he will play for Battle - just waiting to see if he has a friend that can take Howard's spot

His friend is Hami, but he is highly doubtful.

 

[Tony DeFranco]

His friend is Hami, but he is highly doubtful.

At this point I'm fine with a friend that lives on his street

Holy moly if he came and brought Hami - I know - but God this program needs a hail mary right now

 

[20Plus]

Can he play tomorrow night?

Needed that laugh

 

[Zelda Zonk]

At this point I'm fine with a friend that lives on his street

Just cuz everyone should read this twice.

 

[rackman18]

Pathetic isn't it.

 

[Jake]

Pretty sure he was at the dome tonight. His perception would be that the PG position is open next year.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Pretty sure he was at the dome tonight. His perception would be that the PG position is open next year.

Was he talking with Ryan Blackwell earlier?

 

[RF2044]

Pretty sure he was at the dome tonight. His perception would be that the PG position is open next year.

If so, he got treated to a nice performance [instead of a dud blowout, like SJU and BC]. Thank god. Hope that works in our favor.

 

[W'boro'Cuse315]

Would be a really nice pickup but be sure to refer to post #133 in this thread.

 

[orangefog]

Would be a really nice pickup but be sure to refer to post #133 in this thread.

Well, considering what is available, he would be a GREAT pickup, even if he ends up running the point next year. But I hope we follow that up with Quinnerly in 2018. They would be a fantastic tandem in the backcourt.

 

[cuseguy]

Pretty sure he was at the dome tonight. His perception would be that the PG position is open next year.[/QUOTE

Hopefully the PS crew picked up on that. No way that should go unreported.

 

[CuseMan4]

Would be surprised if he isn't wearing a Syracuse jersey next year

 

[RF2044]

Would be surprised if he isn't wearing a Syracuse jersey next year

After Randolph / Green, I don't want to get my hopes up.

But that is freaking great to hear.

 

[iommi]

Would be surprised if he isn't wearing a Syracuse jersey next year

After Randolph / Green, I don't want to get my hopes up.

But that is freaking great to hear.

I suggest we pick his host wisely. LOL. I think Moyer would do a great job.

 

[RF2044]

Would be surprised if he isn't wearing a Syracuse jersey next year

Hey--just looking back on your post, is there any significance to the "next year" part?

 

[iommi]

Hey--just looking back on your post, is there any significance to the "next year" part?

We are really working Ayala hard to reclassify. I sure hope he does.

 

[longtimefan]

He's a combo. Better off being a playmaker and additional ball handler, than forcing him to become a PG.

Given the spark that Gillon supplied tonight, I think our coaches may be willing to go the 5th-year player route again.