Just curious........

[ShockTalk]

Could anything that has been written above be an indicator of why we're interested, and apparently ready to offer, John Wilkins? Sounds like a hole might need to be plugged.

[Ricky Del Rio]

Could anything that has been written above be an indicator of why we're interested, and apparently ready to offer, John Wilkins? Sounds like a hole might need to be plugged.

Who is J. Wilkens?

[Snapshot9]

Here is Wilkins thread:

http://www.shockernet.net/sn/viewtopic.php?t=11789

[The Mad Hatter]

I know that Wilkins is listed as class of 08, but are we absolutely sure that he is, given that he is coming from France?

[ShockRef]

With apologies to my good friend Sub, I'm not worried. 8)

[tropicalshox]

There is not much absolutely positive in the world of recruiting.

[Shox21]

My concern about Hatch is just that -- conditioning. It was rumored that he was keeping fit and in condition and playing during his two-year Mormon commitment. Apparently that was not the case because it took him a little while to GET into condition once he got here. And we all know just how quickly an athlete can get OUT of condition if it is not a daily priority. Don't get me wrong. I like Hatch. He has a sweet, smooth stroke on the 3. I think he will be a good role player for us. I just worry that since he is not here, will he be. No one else is concerned, so I'll do all the worrying for everyone.

[wushock]

It wont hurt my feelings if Hatch does not show up

[60Shock]

I know several of you have commented, "It's early, so don't worry," and you are right in the fact that there is a lot of time for them to recover before the season starts.

Yet, on the other hand, the thing that is concerning is that we have had a rash of injuries and the season hasn't even started. Nor has the real grinding part commenced, the start of the conference wars.

[Snapshot9]

From what I have seen, walkon Reggie Britton strokes a pretty mean 3, as does Toure Murry.

[SubGod22]

My concern about Hatch is just that -- conditioning. It was rumored that he was keeping fit and in condition and playing during his two-year Mormon commitment. Apparently that was not the case because it took him a little while to GET into condition once he got here. And we all know just how quickly an athlete can get OUT of condition if it is not a daily priority. Don't get me wrong. I like Hatch. He has a sweet, smooth stroke on the 3. I think he will be a good role player for us. I just worry that since he is not here, will he be. No one else is concerned, so I'll do all the worrying for everyone.

Hatch played and did as much as he could while on his mission. But that was only once a week or so as he had other priorities and rightfully so. And there is a difference between staying in shape and being in basketball shape. He spent two years running and doing what else he could, but that's not the same as being in basketball shape. But he definitely wasn't sitting on his butt all day.

As Marshall said, ideally he would have been redshirted last year to allow more time to get into that shape and shake the rust off. We didn't have that luxury. Obviously, I think Hatch could be a nice role player. He had the purest shot on last years team, and considering the inside presence we appear to have this year he should be able to help keep teams from doubling down or making them pay for doing so. I understand that there are other guys that can shoot, but wonder if they can be as consistent from outside as I believe Hatch can. Those guys can also slash, and having a Hatch to kick out too can be quite valuable.

The Wilkins thing is interesting. I'd think he'd end up in prep school for a year but what do I know? This is fresh information and not much is known at this point.

[Ricky Del Rio]

I have been on vacation for awhile. Help me understand.

Why is there optimism that Wilkens will sign with the Shockers, given the level of competing schools?

[SpanglerFan316]

I know several of you have commented, "It's early, so don't worry," and you are right in the fact that there is a lot of time for them to recover before the season starts.

Yet, on the other hand, the thing that is concerning is that we have had a rash of injuries and the season hasn't even started. Nor has the real grinding part commenced, the start of the conference wars.

Marshall expects players to be in better shape and to work harder. The downside of this is injury. Turgeon had his system and Marshall has his. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

[Yellow Snow]

By Grahams physique as a freshman I have no doubt that he is working hard in the off season.

[mvc champs]

Here is the way I see this, and it could be just me. No respectable person would say, "Go to Arizona, get married, start a life with your wife" and then give away his scholarship. If Marshall says that, then I believe Hatch is safe, no matter who might come available. The only way this would change is if HATCH says he doesn't want to come back. While I am not a huge Hatch fan, I think this is how it should stay. Regardless of the fact that this could be a "business" I think telling someone to take care of their new family comes before that.