I remember during the Austin Nunez recruitment when Shaka was a Texas, Nunez talked about how Shaka would give him recommended books and then they would discuss what they read or something like that… giving recruits book report assignments (i think it was Kobe’s biography)
7 Likes
Great way to judge a recruits character …
Discussion question: Is Catcher in the Rye good?
I understand building relationships with recruits, but that’s just … creepy. Not saying Shaka is doing anything inappropriate but there’s potential for coaches to create weird dependent relationships with these kids. I guess that’s where it’s important for parents/guardians to be part of the process.
I’m hope Shaka fires up ChatGPT when he runs out of things to text.
2 Likes
Eh… questionable isn’t reality. One of the nicest public high schools around. Live a few minutes away - can drop bags if Fresh air drops them to my house first
2 Likes
I’m in West Chester, PA if you need to add to the bag count.
2 Likes
I was on a writing community board with Shaka’s wife Maya for a number of years. The Smarts take literacy and education very seriously.
Very nice, sincere people, too.
19 Likes
Shaka Smart is a class act and certainly knows how to coach …
2 Likes
Im really, really excited for Cofie. Expectations of course a little more reserved with how meh these past freshmen classes have been looking in college vs the 5th years.
But this is like the 4th mention Ive seen of Cofie and being “continuous” (as @ElliottHoo mentioned when he saw Cofie clips a few months ago, or atleast I think it was you. maybe someone else). His HS coach mentioned the same in that instagram interview. Keeping the energy consistent in game and also against lesser opponents.
Jacob Cofie | 2024 Forward | Eastside Catholic HS (WA) *Virginia
Cofie, someone we’ve tracked since the height of COVID in 2020, has added a ton of functional bulk throughout high school without losing his ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot with touch from the perimeter, play with good hands defensively and explode above the rim as a vertical athlete. This week in Portland, he came out in the opening game firing on all cylinders, carving out great looks around the basket with his strength, showing his mid-range game and making his presence felt on the boards as well as on the defensive end. In the second game, he aggravated a previous injury, which initially had him seriously questioning whether he would be available for the rest of the tournament.
With Eastside Catholic getting off to a slow start in the semifinals against South Medford, Cofie came off the bench and his presence alone instantly turned the game around. With South Medford’s star Jackson Weiland on the shelf with an injury of his own, the Crusaders ran away with things in the second half and entered the championship tilt vs. Roosevelt with confidence. In the final, you’d never know Cofie was banged up, as he nearly stole a huge “road win” with his most eye-opening performance of the week.
In the title game, Cofie had 26 points on 11-15 from the field (including multiple three-point makes), to go with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He showed how switchable he could be at the next level, as he even held his own while guarding Terrence Hill, Jr. in space, stifling him at times. The major thing with the future Virginia Cavalier is his focus and awareness — as it can wane, at times — but when he’s zoned in, he is an absolute force. This week in Portland, Cofie showed off his elite physical tools, a versatile offensive skillset and an ability to leave his mark as a defender, all attributes Coach Bennett values immensely in Charlottesville.
14 Likes
Yep. Big thing is whether he responds and adjusts early. Otherwise he won’t be seeing the floor a ton his first year.
Anyone know how often Tony has seen him live?
2 Likes
6’9 lanky wing. Kinda a project wing but has had solid showings vs good competition (Montverde recently).
PVI kids fall into two categories: we ultimately dont want or we want and then Duke/Nova offer. Will see if this kid breaks that trend
2 Likes
Shaka did the eulogy at Lance Blanks funeral. Did an amazing job!
8 Likes
John Wall started today.
Hubert Davis and Kevin Keatts in for Jackson Keith.
That staff didnt skip the game today to go recruit shows how unserious a program we are
2 Likes
Another example of True being underutilised by staff dammit
4 Likes
If you want to watch Chance Mallory’s game at 12:30, its $10.
Whole event pass is $75. Im not going to watch/just wait for any clips that come out
2 Likes
Ravenscroft any good?
Thats a @kjwilliams612 question
Nah quoth the ravenscoth
1 Like