I am drooling: Drew Gordon to transfer from UCLA
by Max Mandel on Dec 1, 2009 3:06 PM PST
47 comments
For those fans that have followed the past decade of Gonzaga basketball, it's clear that part of what has made this program so successful is the talented transfers that have come into the program. Guys like Dan Dickau, Erroll Knight, and Micah Downs have been key guys on some of the most successful teams of the past 10 years. Over the past couple of years, Gonzaga has been rumored to be interested in transfers like Taylor King and Jeff Withey, with Gonzaga being in the final three for King before he chose Villanova. With all this information being considered, you can't be completely surprised when I started to salivate at the thought of Drew Gordon finding his way to Spokane after transferring from UCLA. Gordon is a 6'9 PF who has a rare athleticism and smoothness for a guy his size. Gordon is also a true post presence, who doesn't drift out to the perimeter. Through the first six games of the season for UCLA, Gordon is averaging 11.2 points and 5.3 boards.
So I'm sure many of you are wondering what the point of this post is. I'm not trying to speculate about potential transfers or anything of that sort. However, Gonzaga will for sure have two openings with the graduation of Bouldin and Foster. Instead of trying to find a diamond in the rough in this mediocre 2010 class, why not push hard for a West Coast kid that was ranked in the top 25 for the loaded 08 class. Coming out of high school, Gordon had offers from UCLA, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Kentucky among others. You can reasonably eliminate any Pac 10 teams as potential transfer schools, since that would cost Gordon two years of eligibility. Assuming that Gordon wants to stay on the West Coast, which is reasonable given the fact he is from the Bay Area, what better school is there for a highly talented and athletic post to play at? Here is a brief scouting report of Gordon coming out of high school:
A high energy player, Gordon sets the tone on the court with his hard working and athletic play. He is a terror on the offensive boards while also being an ever present shot blocking threat on the other end. In the post he can score with a jump hook, but he does need to improve his outside shooting and ball handling.
Now I'm sure I'm not the only one who is starting to get a little excited about a potential post rotation of Harris, Sacre, Dower, Gordon (this would allow Olynyk to play his natural position of SF). All four of those guys would compliment each other nearly perfectly and bring an excellent array of skills to the table. With Dower you have a guy who can score from the outside and float on the offensive end. Bring him off the bench with Gordon, who will make his living on the offensive glass with dunks and by running the court, and you might just have the best front court in the country. Hopefully we will hear some reports on potential schools for Gordon in the next couple of weeks, as I'm sure he will want to enroll by second semester so that he can be eligible in January of 2011. We will keep you updated on what we hear, and keep in mind I have absolutely no inside information that we are interested. However, I can't help but get excited about how good I think this kid is and how good of a fit it would be. One other important thing to note about Gordon is the fact that he was recruited to UCLA by Ben Howland. Howland doesn't recruit kids that don't play defense, so in Gordon you know you would be getting a highly skilled defender in the post.
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Is this really a guy we want?
Sounds like there may be some warts on this apple?
Do we really want a guy like this?
Where was he when UCLA was getting beat like a drum by Portland?
Is he a winner or Prima Donna?
I’m not saying we should or should not take a look at him, but . . . if this guy is an ‘all about me’ project, he may not be a good fit — not with the way this program as been heading lately. I really think Few would use a 10 man rotation if he felt he could get away with it — and I think that is exactly where he is heading with the present group. Other than Gray and Bouldin, it isn’t like you can say these guys have paid their dues and are entitled to more time. Anyone that looks around the locker room had to know that minutes will have to be earned and shared for the next four years.
Is that what Gordon is looking for?
mjc
Wouldn't you have said the exact same thing about Micah Downs
When he was transferring away from Kansas. He had the Prima Donna reputation, but once he got into the family atmosphere and close knit community in Spokane, he became a team guy?
Against Portland Gordon had 10 points, 4 boards, and 3 blocks in 20 minutes of action. This kid is only a sophomore…worlds of potential and would provide a huge spark/energy when he is on the court
Final 4 or bust
Yes, I would have said the same about Downs
and I think that is why you may not want Gordon. Downs didn’t play like a Zag until the second half of last year when he finally excepted his role. It seemed to me that he was never happy coming off the bench or platooning, but once he settled into that role he played himself into the WCC Tourney MVP. Maybe Gordon can adapt sooner.
The world was a different place when Downs showed up
We had some serious holes to fill when Micah Downs showed up. AM just left and IIRC he was going to be the guy to fill those shoes. Never did fill it up like AM but what a great surprise to discover he actually played D and played it well.
I think Downs felt he was going to play a lot and deep down inside, was frustrated with his playing time — until last year.
No question Downs did contribute but the ‘team guy’ thing took quite a while to manifest.
Right now, we got no holes in the front court. We may have some development issues but I think we are set for as long as these guys stick around.
mjc
Gordon/Downs
I’m not sold on Gordan. I would rather recruit. As for Micah, there’s alot more to him the the chip shots mentioned here. Too bad some of you missed the time he was here and what he brought. If you look at what and who he had to play with closley, you might see bitter ball hogging whinning players that wouldn’t allow him in. If youdon’t have the brains to figure out who they were………tough! Sometimes I wonder about what posters really think and what theier motives are but on Micah………..Maybe your just braindead!
Just curious.
Why aren’t you sold on Drew. Instant impact off the bench is exactly what we need. I’m sold. I’d love him.
If he winds up in the WCC it will be trouble.
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by Zach Bell on Dec 1, 2009 6:00 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Gordon
We have all the spokes at GU that are working well. ALL of them are recruited here! None of them are expecting time on the floor unless it was earned. That part is what is recruited! I would like recruits first, then JC’s then transfers as a last resort. Since we can’t get any help this year from him and we’ve already redshirted a quality player for next year at his position why fill up that scholarship with him? Now, if Andy quits or transfers, then someone like him would be of some value for 1 year. The problem is, he’ll be gone within 2-3 weeks! Finally, just his leaving the program with the head coach being the one that recruited him leaves a bad taste in my mouth. What was the problem? PT or bad chemistry with the team? Too many red flags! There could be some good reason though and we (the public) just don’t know the situation. I’ll still pass.
My argument for Gordon compared to what you say
I totally understand your approach…although I am more comfortable with transfers then you at this point. Here is my thought on Gordon in relationship to Kelly and Poling. If Gordon were to come here, it would allow Kelly to play more of a 3/4, which I think is his natural position. Also, after two years in the program and little to no production, how much longer do we give Andy a chance to develop. Gordon is much more athletic, and I think provides a better option in contrast with the skills of Harris, Dower, and Sacre.
Final 4 or bust
by Max Mandel on Dec 1, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Andy, KO
Your right about Andy and I addressed that about him. As far as KO goes, Sam’s in next year and KO moves over anyway! That was my point. Had they red shirted KO instead of Sam, that wouldn’t be an issue and we still wouldn’t need Gordon. JMO.
I just like the idea of keeping the scholies for others that might be a better fit down the road.
Here is my general debate on this
With Kelly moving to the 3/4 you will have 4 bigs next year. If you could choose, would you rather have Gordon or Poling? I take Gordon in a split second. I also don’t think it has a huge impact on recruiting as there would be the same amount of depth and scholarships open as before.
Final 4 or bust
OK?
If thats agreeable why not do what I said about recruiting because Sam will be 1 year older from now and KO will be a 3/4? I understand your point and now the angle at which you present it. I just like mine better, lol.
That's not entirely true...
You can disagree up to a point, after that your posts are pulled.
Tom117
That's never happened
as long as you don’t drone on and on and on and on and on and on about the same topic. We’ve really only pulled posts from that Screech fellow because he went off on a personal rant against one of our members.
By the way, I wasn’t able to really read all these last night as I was away from the computer (thank god for mobile posting) but there has been some great back and forth here. Love seeing that.
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
For the record
I do understand your approach….however I would only be comfortable with it if Few knew he could get a better talent or fit then Gordon in the next two classes….if not, you take Gordon
Final 4 or bust
So
Yes, January 2011 or the end of December of next year.
by coltinjespersen on Dec 1, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
Gordon/Downs
Mikesequim – you would have a lot more credibility if you’d run a spell check before you post your comments! The thing I appreciate most about this blog is it seems very professional, and the people who post sound intelligent. Not you.
guzagger77
Spell check will give a person credibility in hoops? I don’t use it and several of the blogs here must not either! Possibly they have bad spellcheckers? I guess you’ll just have to make sure all of our comments have credibility, hmmm? Good post though!
no need to apologize Mike!
guzagger, no one should worry about spell check! And it certainly doesn’t bring you credibility to these blogs! Mike has always been a respected and active member of this site. I don’t always agree with Mike, but there is no need to start taking shots like this at fellow Zag fans!
glen mccloud
by montanazag on Dec 2, 2009 9:25 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Well said and classy
Mike’s been an active member of our site basically since we began (somehow he hasn’t gotten sick of us!). Obviously grammar, spelling, etc is very important but as long as your comment is readable and coherent, it’s all good!
Only two names being misspelled really bothers me. When people write Steven Grey instead of Gray and when people used to write Josh Heytfelt instead of Heytvelt. Drives me crazy! Whew…I feel better now haha.
Carry on!
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EDZ/ZB
If you haven’t read the story on ESPN about Drew Gordon and the reason for his leaving, now would be a good time then post your new thoughts! Does it smell funny now or is there more to it? Thanks
I have read the story here is my interpretation
Drew Gordon and for that the matter the entire 08 class (which was ranked #1 in the country) was recruited to UCLA under the impression that they would play at a higher tempo. Look at Jrue Holiday and why he struggled….he didn’t excel at Howland slow ball. Look at Malcolm Lee and how poorly he has played and Jerime Anderson as well, they are not half court guys. Gordon was brought in assuming he would be a 4 and run the court. Instead he is playing as an undersized 5 in a half court tempo. Do I blame a 20 year old kid for reacting pissed off….no I don’t.
Final 4 or bust
Thats it?
And so everything is OK with that kind of attitude with you? You’re OK with a transfer like that (and we should be careful about our speculation) but assuming he’s just “pissed” , to fit in with this bunch of kids vs. recruiting your own? Interesting take EDZ, I’m truely surprised. Appreciate your honesty.
Absolutely
My theory is that competition breeds success. Having a guy like Gordon will make Dower better, Harris better, and Sacre better. Make no mistake, Gordon has an NBA body and NBA athleticism….however he doesn’t have any polish on his offensive game. I want as much talent and competition at every position as humanly possible
Final 4 or bust
I agree
Simply having this guy in practice situations will develop our starters so much more than playing against Polling (not that I have anything against the guy…I just don’t think he’ll cut it with this group of players) on a day-to-day basis. Consistently presenting them with reasons and motivation to work harder and to develop their game in every way will certainly bring a team together and lead to improvement. Additionally, with point guards like Meech and GJ, we can run an up-tempo offense and facilitate this type of player.
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2011
Quote from Gordon's mom
Gordon, the highest-profile prospect to come out of the South Bay in decades, hopes to transfer to a team that better suits his style.
A natural power forward, the 6-foot-9, 230-pounder has played center for the struggling Bruins.
“The UCLA system is very methodical, and Drew is better as a transition player,‘’ said Gordon’s mother, Shelly. "When you spend that much time and effort on something, you have to feel some gratification.
“We wanted to make the change now rather than wait and hope the situation gets better. The timing is terrible: It looks like he’s leaving because they lost a bunch of games. But that’s not what happened.’’
Final 4 or bust
No Offense
But I’m not even going to take into consideration what his Mom says because if she’s like most other hot shot athletes mothers then the only thing she cares about is her son getting to the NBA and making millions. I’m not calling her a liar by any means and what she says is true for all I know but I take it with a grain of salt and am going to try to not pay attention to that.
by coltinjespersen on Dec 1, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
From my experience
Just based off of my experience and what I have seen through my life.
by coltinjespersen on Dec 1, 2009 8:46 PM PST up reply actions
My take
Alright, my take on this is you HAVE to, I repeat HAVE to look into the possibility of this kid coming to Gonzaga. I don’t know the story, I have no idea what his personality is like, his work ethic or anything else. The only thing we know is this kid was a stud coming out of High School and he has “been in the wrong system”. Few and the staff I’m sure are well aware of this situation and what is going on, if Gordon is interested in Gonzaga I’m sure they will be in contact and get the complete run down on everything. I trust Few will make the right decision with this kid and Gonzaga will be fine with or without him.
For the record from what I know there is nothing that would lead me to go against the idea of this Kid becoming a Zag. We will see what happens but right now I’m more worried about our big game tomorrow night!
I'd Keep an Open Mind
When you have the possibility about adding a blue chipper to your team I’d say definitely have to look into it at the very LEAST.
From living near UCLA and been to a bunch of their games last year I can say that Morgan wouldn’t have problems fitting into our team ability wise. He’s definitely extremely athletic and a load to handle in the post. He reminds me of JP Batista in terms of just physical presence. He’s a powerful dude.
Whether you think the attitude is worth it is up for debate, but it’s not like Howland has a huge reputation for taking chances on character. I’d chalk this up to Howland making a mistake in his recruiting choices. All the players he recruited were up-tempo guys. From what I understand Jrue Holiday jumped to the NBA because he didn’t like the half-court game that Howland coaches.
I’m not sure how he’d like to come to GU if he has to come off the bench though. Something to consider.
Sorry guys
I’m away from a computer. Let KO move to the 3. Let Gordon play post. Whenever you can get an instant impact big man…you take him. Love his fire and love his desire to b great. Do not let him be a Gael.
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by Zach Bell on Dec 1, 2009 9:49 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Well there is that
If this guy is going to be a WCC player I certainly don’t want him playing for St. Mary’s
mjc
This isn't about Gordon, it's about Few
There is a reason why players don’t have a big attitude when at Gonzaga. It’s not that they don’t have one (Daye, Downs), because most high profile and talented players do; it’s the fact that Few gets exactly what he wants from players and absolutely keeps them in line and their attitudes in check. Gonzaga is team ball, period. I’m betting he’s very upfront with them about what their role could be and what he expects; and if they are okay with falling in line in order to win a lot of games and go to the tourney, then they are Zag material. If this kid is like a Randy Moss, then Few can be his Belichick, and Gonzaga can win a lot of games the right way!
by trufflshuffl on Dec 1, 2009 10:06 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I like the comparison
But how many dominant inside blue-chip players are willing to accept a limited role within a system that does not accentuate their abilities on every offensive set? Coming to Gonzaga he will have the ability to showcase his talents on the national stage—in venues like Madison Square Garden and against some of the top teams in the nation. However, it will not be all about him, and he will have to find a place within the system, which may mean coming off the bench until Few deems him deserving of a starting position. Regardless, I hope he takes a serious look at our program and follows the Austin Daye example. You don’t have to dominate the floor at Gonzaga to get attention and become a top-20 draft pick….Sometimes all you have to do is fill your role and contribute in the ways you can.
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2011
I wouldn't be surprised if he would start
Few is smart. He knows top level talent when he sees it; that’s why Harris is starting right away and why Daye got so much PT as well as a Freshman. I think he would start, and it would help everyone move to their “next level” positions. Scouts are raving about Harris if he can be a 3 at the NBA level. What better way to make that transition than to have an overflow of talent. Sacre at C, Gordon at PF, Harris at SF, Gray at SG, Meech at PG, Dower off the bench at C and PF as a redshirt Freshman and KO coming off the bench as a talented SF; then the rest of the talented supporting cast that will have a year more of experience…I’M DROOLING! It could work. With a good coach who is in full control and respected, there is no such thing as too much talent!!
by trufflshuffl on Dec 1, 2009 11:37 PM PST up reply actions
Talent Level
I agree 100 percent. There is no such thing as too much talent. If there are injuries during the year, Few and the coaching staff wouldn’t have to panic. I know if he were to come off the bench it may be tough at first, but like truffle says Few develops players and their attitudes great. With Harris at SF Gordon could really shine at PF and mesh well with his teammates as a starter or off the bench. I know it’s a cliche, but the sky truly is the limit for this team if we could land Gordon for next year’s team. The talent of this year’s team is already proving to be amazing- just imagine adding a blue-chipper to this squad for next year, Wow!
good chance?
It sounds like transferring within the conference is out of the question due to eligibility issues. The only other high profile program on the west coast is Gonzaga! If he wants exposure and wants to win games then it is a no brainer. St. Mary’s, San Diego St., and the likes are nice programs, but they don’t garner the exposure, nor do they develop as many players for the “league” as GU does. If he doesn’t end up at GU it could be because there are red flags that Few and company don’t like, maybe even as a player? Remember just because you excelled at the high school doesn’t make you a good college player! Yes he was highly recruited and ranked out of high school, but Rivals and the likes drop the ball and many players including those that get no respect! And I would say we currently have a few of those right now! I keep hearing KO at the 3? Could he guard any other 3’s? Especially the elite ones?
glen mccloud
KO has a hard time guarding anybody right now but he will improve.
Good points! Andy was a top 40 player as a Soph. His illness has taken a toll on him and he’s not going to make it as far as he should have.
Off the subject!
Did Smith actually sign a letter of intent to UCLA or was it verbal?
Signed, sealed, and almost delivered
Josh decided to sign in the early recruiting period with UCLA. I’d say it was a mistake but…it’s UCLA. They’ll be back to prominence soon and Josh will be a big reason for that.
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