PG Malcolm Armstead (Transfer from Oregon)

[hoopsnut]

Wow, what a knee to the grapes for Ron Baker. Sounded like Marshall had him convinced that the last scholarship was going to a post player and then he signs a guard and a Dana Altman leftover at that. I bet Baker is wondering how good Marshall's word is for getting a scholarship in '12-'13.

[Zardoz]

He may fuel the defense in 12-13, if he doesn't run out of fouls, more PGs coming off the bench.

[The Mad Hatter]

Wow, what a knee to the grapes for Ron Baker. Sounded like Marshall had him convinced that the last scholarship was going to a post player and then he signs a guard and a Dana Altman leftover at that. I bet Baker is wondering how good Marshall's word is for getting a scholarship in '12-'13.

Did someone hit you over the head before you wrote this, because I really hope that you weren't in full possession of your senses when you thought that any of what you typed made any sense?

[SubGod22]

This addition to me is.....whatever. I'm sure he'll help us in '12-'13 and give us a little breathing room with Cotton. I really wasn't expecting a "big" addition considering how late in the game it is. And we're not going to really see the benefit of the NIT Championship until the next recruiting class or two. We should have an NCAA appearance added to that after this next season which will be a nice piece of the recruiting pitch.

[newshock1234]

before Dana showed up he averaged double figures (10.3 ppg), 4.3 assist, and 2 steals a game.

[Ricardo del Rio]

Wow, what a knee to the grapes for Ron Baker. Sounded like Marshall had him convinced that the last scholarship was going to a post player and then he signs a guard and a Dana Altman leftover at that. I bet Baker is wondering how good Marshall's word is for getting a scholarship in '12-'13.

Whoa!

Mind reading again?

[Snapshot9]

This signing doesn't make a lot of sense to me either.

[WSUwatcher]

Armstead

Ah, the breathtaking analysis of some of our perpetually panic-stricken posters...

If Armstead is indeed headed here, it seems clear this is insurance that WSU will have at least two experienced PGs in 2012-3. Baker and Cotton aren't clearcut pure PG prospects; Baker will be redshirting next year; and given the minutes available in the backcourt it's hard to imagine that Cotton will play next year either.

As for what this means for the roster, I'll trust the staff. Marshall and his guys know what they're doing. They're experienced, hardworking, and smart, which is why they're paid the big bucks, so if this is what they want more power to them, considering that it's their success and futures on the line.

Besides, there's no reason to assume that if Armstead does show up, it's the end of the roster moves. It wouldn't surprise me if there's also some big man scholarship maneuver in the works even now that would enable WSU to add another PF. You can bet that Marshall and Co. don't want to go into an otherwise promising year with a chink in their armor at PF if they can help it, especially after watching VCU reach the Final Four and probably thinking, "That could have been us." No, with next year's batch of seniors, they'll want to take the best shot they can.

So I won't be at all surprised to see another big show up and fit in somehow. In fact, here's a scenario right off the top of my head, although not all of the board may like it: what if the NIT run that he missed, the Brazil trip, and the prospect of playing time have combined to give Jerome Hamilton the wakeup call he's needed for so long and he and Marshall have agreed that Hamilton can return next year, but only if he walks on for the first semester (or whole season, even) and proves his overall commitment, at which point he can win back his scholarship (thus counting against 2012-3 instead of next season's class)?

I have no idea that will happen, no "inside" info or special insight or contacts; I'm just making it up as speculation. (And wondering how long it might take to gain a life of its own as a "rumor," which of course it isn't.) But what if it does take place, which is at least possible, if unlikely? Stranger things have happened, certainly, and it would tie up loose ends in some ongoing current mysteries. So who knows? (By the way, if by chance it does happen, you may refer to me hereafter as Swami. Even my overheated personal stalker might be impressed.)

The point is that, even assuming Armstead is indeed headed this way, we simply have no idea whether WSU is finished yet, regardless of whether all 13 scholarships currently seem to be accounted for. What we do know is that Marshall and his staff are miles -- light-years, even -- ahead of this learned board's members and our speculation when it comes to putting together a roster. Just as they should be, by the way. This kind of far-sighted move with Armstead should also reassure everyone that Marshall and his guys aren't just looking to hit the jackpot next year and get out of Dodge; instead they're already building for two years down the road.

[Aargh]

I'm not convinced that WSU is an NCAA-caliber team next year Replacing Durley, Ellis, and Blair with White and Hall doesn't seem like an upgrade.

I'm not buying the pre-season hype that WSU might be a top-25 team. I'm going to need to see proof that somebody at the wing can replace what Hatch brought to the game.

I'm not convinced that WSU is a contender for the Valley championship next year. Using the last scholarship to add a one-year PG for the year after next year doesn't address any of the apparent weaknesses in next year's team. I don't like the message this sends to Baker, Cotton, and DWill.

I'm afraid this is evidence of difficulty getting a HS PG in next year's recruiting class. If Marshall has an Achilles heel, it appears to be the ability to evaluate and recruit HS PG's.

I don't mean this comment to apply to Armstead, but this recruiting move ranks as an epic fail in my opinion. Either every HS PG Marshall has ever recruited is a bust, or this is an unneeded use of a scholarship.

[small tyme baller]

He's from Flo Town down in Bama ... solid pick up, too bad its only for 1 year. Cant wait to see him play in person.

[Kung Wu]

Wow, what a knee to the grapes for Ron Baker. Sounded like Marshall had him convinced that the last scholarship was going to a post player and then he signs a guard and a Dana Altman leftover at that. I bet Baker is wondering how good Marshall's word is for getting a scholarship in '12-'13.

Did someone hit you over the head before you wrote this, because I really hope that you weren't in full possession of your senses when you thought that any of what you typed made any sense?

If I had multiple personalities I would +X this. But since I am just one man ...

+1 with emphasis

[Kung Wu]

Re: Armstead

In fact, here's a scenario right off the top of my head, although not all of the board may like it: what if the NIT run that he missed, the Brazil trip, and the prospect of playing time have combined to give Jerome Hamilton the wakeup call he's needed for so long and he and Marshall have agreed that Hamilton can return next year, but only if he walks on for the first semester (or whole season, even) and proves his overall commitment, at which point he can win back his scholarship (thus counting against 2012-3 instead of next season's class)?

I have no idea that will happen, no "inside" info or special insight or contacts; I'm just making it up as speculation. (And wondering how long it might take to gain a life of its own as a "rumor," which of course it isn't.) But what if it does take place, which is at least possible, if unlikely? Stranger things have happened, certainly, and it would tie up loose ends in some ongoing current mysteries. So who knows? (By the way, if by chance it does happen, you may refer to me hereafter as Swami. Even my overheated personal stalker might be impressed.)

The potential for this has already been theorized in another thread. So I'll still call you Swami, but you won't get credit for the original thought. :)

[pinstripers]

In the scenario mentioned, he would have to walk on the entire year. The writer was confusing the old grayshirt rules with skollie rules.

[SubGod22]

Personally, I think we'll be just fine with Hall and White. Ehimen is the only real question mark in my mind but I have a feeling he's going to be ready to contribute.

[Zardoz]

I'm not convinced that WSU is an NCAA-caliber team next year Replacing Durley, Ellis, and Blair with White and Hall doesn't seem like an upgrade.

I'm not buying the pre-season hype that WSU might be a top-25 team. I'm going to need to see proof that somebody at the wing can replace what Hatch brought to the game.

I'm not convinced that WSU is a contender for the Valley championship next year. Using the last scholarship to add a one-year PG for the year after next year doesn't address any of the apparent weaknesses in next year's team. I don't like the message this sends to Baker, Cotton, and DWill.

I'm afraid this is evidence of difficulty getting a HS PG in next year's recruiting class. If Marshall has an Achilles heel, it appears to be the ability to evaluate and recruit HS PG's.

I don't mean this comment to apply to Armstead, but this recruiting move ranks as an epic fail in my opinion. Either every HS PG Marshall has ever recruited is a bust, or this is an unneeded use of a scholarship.

I normally respect your posts, but I think you're missing something here.

Cotton is listed as a combo guard and Baker as a shooting guard. DWill may be the only High School PG that HCGM has recruited and he also has SG skills. Real small sample size for you are using to base your opinions on. TM and DK can also play the 1-3 positions, I though I think both are better at the 2 or 3. EW may also fit this mold.

So how is this recruitment sending a bad message to players that don't play that position? Okay a little bit on Baker's part, he's not a 6'8" post, but I don't see it on Cotton's and DWill's part. I don't see him jumping ahead of DWil,l if DWill continues to work hard and improve his game.

You earn PT under Marshall system, it isn't just given to you. Dwill now something to work for in 12-13.