Interesting article in regards to Hawkins

[Redbird!]

how did ford help recruit the players we have the last couple years when he was only here for 1 year?

It was just a quick statement not meant to be analyzed by many. Sorry Dana Ford recruited no one! There back to the topic at hand.

[Dave Stalwart]

I understand WSU fans being frustrated with Hawkins and Ford, but it is the way of the world in college basketball. Coaches leave all the time after saying they are committed for the long haul. Players are no different and honestly I love rivalries. SO if this help the competition in the Valley I am all for it. I think with Creighton gone the Valley desperately needs ILL St to be a top tier team. Muller has yet to prove much, but I think he has the same mentality as Marshal and thinks that ILL ST can be a big time program.

I am onboard with that. It would sure feel nice if CU falls flat in their new conference, since it was going to be SUCH a better situation than here. Obviously, it should be, but I would really get a kick out of it if the Valley somehow started finishing with a similar or better conference RPI in the near future. Either that or watching any Valley team eliminate them in a postseason game. Getting matched against CU in the postseason is practically a "bye" anyway.

[SubGod22]

I think with Creighton gone the Valley desperately needs ILL St to be a top tier team. Muller has yet to prove much, but I think he has the same mentality as Marshal and thinks that ILL ST can be a big time program.

I truly believe that ISU and BU will rise up with their new coaches. That is, if Muller can coach and get things going. I agree that he seems to have a similar belief as Marshall in that he thinks ISU can be more than just a solid conference team and wants them to compete nationally. I think the same thing about Ford at BU. It'll take a few years for both to stock their rosters and get things moving but I hope it happens.

[newshock1234]

It was just a quick statement not meant to be analyzed by many. Sorry Dana Ford recruited no one! There back to the topic at hand.

just saying you were all acting like half the team we have here came from his recruits

[Redbird!]

Out of curiosity was Ford the lead recruiter for Hawkins? Also there was a rumor of Hawkins family getting into an argument with Marshal's wife in St. Louis just curious if anyone had any information regarding that? Probably all rumors, but I am just curious.

[another shocker]

a rising tide (wichita state) lifts all boats.

this is the valley we're talking about.. somebody will eventually make a strong attempt to fill in the void left by creighton, i have little doubt. actually, insu, with odom and arop etc., might be a load next season.

[SubGod22]

Out of curiosity was Ford the lead recruiter for Hawkins? Also there was a rumor of Hawkins family getting into an argument with Marshal's wife in St. Louis just curious if anyone had any information regarding that? Probably all rumors, but I am just curious.

Not sure if he was the lead recruiter or not. I do believe he was involved. The first time I ever heard/seen anything about a Mama Hawkins and Marshall dispute is when I read it on your board sometime in the last couple of days.

Hawkins is a gifted athlete but his commitment in the classroom and on the court are questioned. IF he can make the grades and is willing to put in work, he could be a valuable asset to someone.

[Dave Stalwart]

a rising tide (wichita state) lifts all boats.

this is the valley we're talking about.. somebody will eventually make a strong attempt to fill in the void left by creighton, i have little doubt. actually, insu, with odom and arop etc., might be a load next season.

Between all this talk about ILL State, your reminder that the Sick Trees should be quite the contender, and the old memories of Lusking predicting a less than 6th place finish for us in what would be a Final Four season, I am starting to feel the inevitable is approaching...It is July, after all...

Is it time for a 2013-2014 Valley standings prediction thread? I better start forming my opinions.

[SubGod22]

Didn't the Trees also lose a few of their top shooters and their only experienced post player? No doubt ISUb will be picked to finish 2nd this coming season, but I won't be surprised to see them finish lower than that.

[shockmonster]

The first time I ever heard/seen anything about a Mama Hawkins and Marshall dispute is when I read it on your board sometime in the last couple of days.

New to me.

[another shocker]

Is it time for a 2013-2014 Valley standings prediction thread? I better start forming my opinions.

yep.. it's about that time.

incidentally, no way should marshall sign a waiver for hawkins. no way.

[Dave Stalwart]

Didn't the Trees also lose a few of their top shooters and their only experienced post player? No doubt ISUb will be picked to finish 2nd this coming season, but I won't be surprised to see them finish lower than that.

Yeah you are right. I started looking at the stuff on paper, and honestly, this season is about impossible to call. When you try to stay objective, the Valley looks really thin. My picks are going to have to be all gut instinct and coaching because the players don't seem to be there. At least, they haven't emerged yet.

WSU is the only obvious pick. Ironically, because of this particular thread, there is also one other seemingly obvious pick... :)

Sorry Redbird. It is what it is.

EDIT: My apologies, I forgot about Drake. There's a good argument for both. It is entirely possible that I will pick Drake last rather than ILL State. Hard to tell at this point. More irony, if Hawkins were playing, I would probably go ahead and take the Birds over the Bulldogs, but as of this moment, I'm still putting the Birds last because its entirely possible that Drake may toss a good coach into the mix. I already know ILL State won't be doing that.

[Redbird!]

I will make the bold prediction that Ill St will not be playing on Thursday night this year. In St will be good and obviously WSU will be the favorite. No telling after that.

[Dave Stalwart]

I will make the bold prediction that Ill St will not be playing on Thursday night this year. In St will be good and obviously WSU will be the favorite. No telling after that.

NCAA sanctions will eliminate them from post season play?

hehe sorry

[Ricardo del Rio]

Saw this posted by Benson, sports writer for Illinois State. Didn't know if i should post this in the recruitment thread under Hawkins or not, moderators feel free to move this if need be.

http://www.pantagraph.com/blogs/redbirds/isu-basketball-don-t-expect-hawkins-to-play-for-redbirds/article_dd7a6a56-e9aa-11e2-8817-001a4bcf887a.html

Does anyone think Marshall would sign a waiver?

Ordinarily I would say give the release, but in this case I would tell Teddy to kiss my @ss. Not only so much for not honoring his Letter, but for some of his smart @ss remarks.