I want to add one more thing. If Keels were to choose UVA and Bennett takes his commitment, I will gladly eat my words because I completely trust Bennett’s judgment. He knows more than I could ever imagine to know about college basketball.
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Thanks Chief, appreciate it buddy! All good and much respect bro, we all have our likes and dislikes.
This board is where it’s at! Just for the record. Peace 
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I honestly don’t understand why some fans get so upset when a kid releases a “top 3/5, etc”. It’s their opportunity to be recognized and celebrate all of their hard work. If that’s what they want to do, then good for them.
If we only want recruits who don’t release a top list, then I think we would be missing out on some excellent student-athletes.
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Yeah, there always seems to be some weird character judgments attached to guys who don’t want to play for UVa.
Tony definitely emphasizes certain things that may or may not appeal to guys, but let’s not pretend like we have some insight into their minds. Sometimes it could be completely unrelated and outside factors. It could be guys trying to get to the NBA the fastest.
They’re kids trying to make probably the toughest decision of their lives - let’s cut some slack here
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Most of the commits in recent years have known that UVa is the place for them right away. Usually shortly after their visit but this is a weird year. COVID has turned the recruiting year upside down. This is the first time that we are after a 5 star and a Duke target and are right in it until the end. It is not usual for 5 stars to take their time and we are usually not part of the equation and not used to it. I think that it shows the growth of the program that we are in this position. It is not only the recent success but our growing reputation as a place that really develops players for the next level which will be vital in future recruiting battles. It sometimes gets a little frustrating when this stuff drags on but I loved the talent and depth we already have on the team and the fact that we have a solid chance to add 1 or 2 of these three high level guys.
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Yeah there are kids who didn’t have a pandemic during their recruiting cycle and they still commit in the spring.
We are in uncharted territory for UVA recruiting, so previous experiences are pretty moot at this point even if we are inclined to draw comparisons. We will have future recruitments that might take some time.
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I applaud a kid for his top 3 or 5. They have earned every right to that as you say. I just appreciate a recruit like Kaufman who has his top schools, does his homework but is straight up and or close to the vest with his thoughts. He hasn’t tried to manipulate the media. They to have a job to do. Basically, I appreciate honesty. He may spurn UVA but he’s handled it with class!
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Time is their prerogative if they have that leverage and can wait. Recruits and their families should take as much time as necessary to make the decision that is right for them. I just don’t think kids should commit to reserve a spot only to decommit when the bigger offer comes or manipulating the process.
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I mean it was the same with Keels until the media tried to leak everything on multiple accounts. Cant blame him for trying to manipulate it back so that he can have his surprise announcement to wherever he wants to go.
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Seems Indiana HS basketball is going to maybe push through. Would help us since we don’t have an open 2020 schollie for Kaufman, given that he might join a team in the winter if there is no season
https://twitter.com/FORUMTipoff/status/1303363265729265664
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I see where Chief is coming from… Duke feels like they lead, Villanova feels like they lead, and we feel great about our position… Seems like every school is being told what they want to hear. Maybe Keels is truly torn between these “top 3” schools??
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I think he is torn between two of the schools as HGN said NOVA vs UVA may have already been decided and its basically whoever won that versus Duke now in terms of what the programs offer. Corey Evans may not always be plugged in but he might also have the right idea in that it’s really a top two at this point possibly. Who that other team is against Duke, idk.
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That was something I was worried about. Thanks for that info and I hope the state of Indiana has a great high school basketball season
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FWIW, Have heard “Corey’s full of crap”.
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How has Keels tried to manipulate the media? He hasn’t given an interview in months. Isn’t it much more likely his Instagram is aimed at his friends and not adults? He’s having fun with Jeremy Roach, Justin Moore, Casey Morsell, and Hunter Dickinson with those posts rather trying to make a statement to Corey Evans or Jerry Meyer? Trying to get a rise from his other friends that are fans of those schools? Trying to get a girls to comment on his posts?
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Can we just generally stop debating the moral weight of a prospects approach to his recruitment?
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You hearing UVa and Duke? Usually, if that’s the case, I would be concerned. But Duke’s earlier handing may come back to bite them. UVa has been all in since day 1, where Duke didn’t jump in until Christie wasn’t an option any longer. And I’m still not sure Duke has him as a priority with Baldwin and Houstan still deciding.
I mentioned a week or so ago I was starting to feel good again. Still feel that way if something happens soon. And it seems to be trending that way decision wise. A top 3 probably means he’s close.
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Amen. I don’t think kids try to deceive the coaches involved. There’s nothing wrong with keeping fans guessing.
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This is pretty aggresive
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Yeah total respect for Corey. The man led the way in revolutionizing recruiting coverage. He showed the old pros how it’s done in the social media age, and then replaced them. Great guy, amazing story. But people on the UVA payroll are laughing at him over this. No one bats 1000%.
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