Catching Up With 2013 Recruit Cullen Neal
by Bob_Bell on Oct 24, 2011 8:00 AM PDT
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Over the course of the past decade, players like Dan Dickau, Matt Santangelo, Blake Stepp and Matt Bouldin have excelled as versatile combo guards in the Gonzaga system. While each player had unique facets to his game, the ability to play multiple positions and create for teammates were qualities that each possessed. With a strong basketball IQ, and a versatile game that allows him to have an impact on the court in a multitude of ways, 2013 recruit Cullen Neal appears to have a similar skill set to some of these former GU guards. After taking an unofficial visit to Spokane for the first weekend of practice, we caught up with the New Mexico native to learn more about his game and his recruitment.
TSSF: What do you think are your greatest strengths on the court? What areas of your game do you need to improve the most over the next two years?
Cullen Neal: I think my greatest strengths on the court are my court vision and my ability to score(overall basketball IQ). I have the ability to score in many different ways, but I can also make the good pass, and dish the rock when I need too.
I think the main thing I need to improve is my strength, by hitting the weight room hard, and working out with my trainer. I think that once I get stronger and my body develops that will help me in all aspects of my game.
TSSF: With your size and skill set, what position do you see yourself playing at the Division I level? Are you most comfortable as a PG, SG or Combo Guard?
Cullen Neal: I see myself playing a combo guard. I've never really played on a team that just has one point guard, and I know Gonzaga is the same way with different people bringing the ball up the court. I can play the PG, or SG if needed
TSSF: In terms of recruiting, what schools do you have offers from at this point, and what schools are you also hearing from the most?
Cullen Neal: Arizona St, Oregon St, St Marys, Fresno St, Tulane, San Francisco, San Diego, and Portland have all offered. I am also hearing from Stanford, Kansas, Vanderbilt, Florida St, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Utah, Depaul, Arizona, and New Mexico.
TSSF: When did Gonzaga start recruiting you? Which member of the coaching staff have you been hearing from the most?
Cullen Neal: Gonzaga really started recruiting me this year and the coach that i've been talking to the the most is Ray Giacoletti
TSSF: What were some of the highlights of your recent unofficial visit to Gonzaga and how do you think you would fit with the program?
Cullen Neal: My unofficial went great. I had a great time hanging out with the players, watching practice and talking to the coaches. I think I would fit great with the program for many reasons. I got along with the guys really well, I connected with the coaches well and I love Gonzaga's system. It opens the floor up and allows their players to play.
TSSF: What is your timeline for making a decision in your recruitment? What will be some of the key factors that you are looking for in a school?
Cullen Neal: There's really no timeline for my decision. Whenever my decision feels absolutely right, thats when I'll commit to a school. There are a few factors on me making my decision. Of course the location, facilities, friendship with the players. The biggest factors though for me iare the relationship with the coaching staff and I want to go to a place where I'll play right away or at least be given the opportunity to earn a starting spot or quality minutes.
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Great Post
I love these types of posts. Seems like this kid is a prototypical zag recruit for the guard position, tall, can score and dish, cerebral. I am glad they are on him early.
Some comments that stood out to me. He stated location is important, this could possibly work against us knowing that he is from New Mexico.
He loves Gonzaga style of play
He has a good relationship with the coaching staff already and players…and yes he does have some zag players on his twitter.
he says theres no timeline on when he will commit, when it feels right and he’s ready he will pull the trigger…
I really hope we are consistent and present throughout his recruitment, he has some big named programs after him and thats going to continue to grow.
JSH
Coach G is awesome!
and the coach that i’ve been talking to the the most is Ray Giacoletti
How many times do we hear his name mentioned via recruiting reports, prospective recruit interviews, and the current group of players…talk about a valuable and integral Coach on this staff.
9 times outta 10, our recruits are talking about how easy and friendly Coach G was over the phone, during in-home visits, and saying he was the one they kept in touch with the most.
I hope he remains a Coach at Gonzaga for a very, very long-time. He’s Mark Few’s right hand man when it comes to recruiting players. We’re very lucky to have him…
Does he get credit for the 2012 Recruiting Class?
Because it’s terrible so far. Make that non exisitent. And please don’t tell me we’re loaded and dont need players. All of the top programs sign top players EVERY year. It is making me sick to see who UW is on. Top 10 and Top 20 players.
OK I won't say it.
But you have answered your own question.
We don’t HAVE to recruit anyone.
So we can afford to be selective. If you go after top recruits, your chances of getting a commitment are much less than if you offer a scholarship to a less talented player.
You can’t have it both ways.
mjc
I used to think the same way SJZ
but it’s just not feasible for a mid major with such a small arena to bring in top recruits every year. I know the absence of a 2012 class sucks, but we don’t play in an NBA arena like Memphis, so we aren’t going to get top flight athletes yearly. This would all change for us if we were in a bigger, better conference.
Welcome to the Sound Pound...
I keep hearing we don't need anyone in the 2012 class . . . . .
But then why is Few hosting visits and making offers? The kids just seem to going elsewhere. I have a sinking feeling that the other schools are talking about all of the recent transfers out. The comments by Meech and Gibbs about Few can’t help either.
It never hurts to look
Look at the guys who have been courted lately — more than a couple are 4 start recruits!!!
Others have been up for a look but perhaps have not impressed.
We are at a point where we can be picky — very picky about who we bring in.
As others have mentioned, would it be better to bring in folks of lesser talent? When these guys figure out they are destine to live on the bench, they will be transferring out. Lord knows there has been much more angst about the transfers than the lack of recruits for 2012.
We are talking about 2 scholarships here. Which of the following are most needed by the program today?
1. HS project player that may or not play in 3 years
2. 4 star HS player
3. Top tier transfer from JUCO
4. Disillusioned NC transfer
5. 7 foot Euro Center
????
mjc
I know it's early but...
bq.The biggest factors though for me iare the relationship with the coaching staff and I want to go to a place where I’ll play right away or at least be given the opportunity to earn a starting spot or quality minutes.bq.
I know that this kid has talent but how do we think HE perceives where he will fit in with our rotation? With our guard-heavy 2011 recruiting class and the fact that the coaching staff has been targeting wings in 2012, is there enough room for Neal to have a chance at getting quality minutes his freshman year? To me the answer seems like a “no.” I know it’s 2 years away from when he would first potentially don a Zag uniform and a lot can change between now and then, but it seems to me that he would have a better chance at playing right away at his other targets such as OSU, Fresno St., Tulane, or any of the other WCC schools that have been recruiting him. Thoughts?
I agree with your analysis right now
What happens this season may change things a bit or a lot.
If everyone pans out and the M&M boys step up, that will be a very tough lineup to crack.
mjc
by quidveritas on Oct 24, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
If he is looking for playing time . . . .
He should look elsewhere. We are well stocked in the back court for years to come.
Like him
His offer list is only going to expand, and by better and better schools. Can’t have too many guards. Sign him up.
Anyone hear about the Bad news for St. Mary's?
Their SMU transfer that they thought was going to help them in backcourt fill the huge void left by Mickey McConnells departure blew out his knee. Season ending! Terrible news for Paul McCoy, and St. Mary’s.
Not as hurtful as Santa Clara losing Trasolini, but still pretty bad.
Sorry to hijack the thread….not sure where to cram this in at.
Final 4 or Bust!!~
That sucks
I’ve enjoyed seeing another WCC team in the tourney the last few years.
by CLT_ZagsFan on Oct 25, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
“The biggest factors though for me iare the relationship with the coaching staff and I want to go to a place where I’ll play right away or at least be given the opportunity to earn a starting spot or quality minutes.”
There’s a direct quote from Cullen, and it sums up our recruiting problems. Any quality program is not going to have a lot of minutes for a freshman. Everyone wants quality minutes, but not everyone deserves them as a freshman.
Be willing to earn your spot or go somewhere else.
by stevet75 on Oct 27, 2011 8:53 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
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